It's generally difficult for a very small N/P to obtain financing especially if it is new, no experience and no track record. 

I am currently gathering as much info as i possibly can in order to obtain the best results in the future.

I think a better question to ask your mentor is can you obtain a favorable cash on cash ROI in SoCal.

HI everyone, I am new to biggerpockets and my husband and I have decided we want to expand our rental properties in order to obtain more monthly cash flow. 

If anyone has exposure to the Erie market, I'm curious as to the likelihood of obtaining seller concessions with the current market. 

I think that it could be a great opportunity to work there first for a couple of years to (1) learn about the whole process/environment from a bird's eye view and (2) obtain contacts and connections that would be beneficial if I were to transfer to the business side. 

Just give me a call at your convenience so I can obtain some minimal information to forward to the agent(s) in that area at the Keller William office.Thanks!

A colleague of mine took the concept a step further (he had a very understanding wife), moving from one duplex to another, always obtaining favorable owner occupant financing, until he had 10 houses / 20 units.  

Another thing to keep in mind is that only "police and welfare power" municipal liens must be paid before obtaining a tax deed in IL, other muni liens and judgments do not have to reimbursed and are the liability of the former owner not the tax buyer.

A new appraisal will be done for a HELOC, so how you obtained the equity doesn't necessarily matter.Best of luck!