My wife is an investor friendly Realtor as well, we'd be happy to help with any purchases you plan to make here.

I'd always recommend flying out to where you plan to invest to get a feel for the market and to meet your team in person.

Renters look for ways to save money.  

The other35% are owned by Mom/Pop who are already filled up, no debt, don't ever plan to expand and don't need BP.  

Weighing the option of fixed vs. arm right now, I would determine how long you plan to have this as your primary residence. 

My name is Rebecca and my husband and I have own Captain Save a Home LLC and also run Brew City REI Club, Brew City REI Training Cafe and Wisconsin Contractor and Handyman Club based out of Milwaukee, WI for the past decade. 

I plan on having more units slowly and steadily.

@Todd KnudsonHigh yield savings?

This is DR Horton SFH, and is a newly built single story 4 bed, 2 bath that is surrounded by expensive MI homes. 3) Move into the townhome. 4) Use my $130,000 HELOC as an emergency if rent defaults do happen and save for a year until I reach my emergency fund goal of $41,000? 

Begin by getting your first place in Manhattan, using your saved money and extra pay for more buys.