I typically keep my vacancy and repair estimates at 10% of monthly rental income.

I spent a lot of time on roofs in my younger days, I just don't feel it's worth the risk now.Our long term goal is to generate enough passive income to at least match the current combined income of the wife and I.  

How do I get around my debt to income ratio now that I already have a brand new mortgage, car payment, paying rent, and college loan but a decently high salary? 

My interests are not only limited to real estate, anything that produces income will intrigue me.

@Patrick Philip You will be looking for opportunities to increase income or decrease expenses.

Interested in how to rehab properties and buy and hold for rental income and also to assist other sellers who need an interior decorator to organize, stage and prepare pictures for their open house. 

Choose cities in safe and economically diversified areas with above-average income and population growth. 

It's a traditionally very low income neighborhood.

@Crystal Wilson so the job and income from it is probably more important to getting conventional (30 yr fixed) loans than anything else (even down payment).

From financial prospective it is better to buy a 4 Family house - this way you would live in it for Free while your tenants are paying your mortgage (you may even earn some extra income).