If I were asked to identify the main hold up it's the fact that I haven't been able to find a decent deal, so I am thinking of changing my approach in the following ways: 1.)

Writing from Chicago.I've been fumbling around with the idea of real estate investing for a good long while.I've figured out that what I want to do in real estate is to save interesting, neglected old buildings and give good people a decent place to live.

Writing from Chicago.I've been fumbling around with the idea of real estate investing for a good long while.I've figured out that what I want to do in real estate is to save interesting, neglected old buildings and give good people a decent place to live.

To me over leveraged means you have big car notes  your CC are close to or are maxed out and your only making minimum payments you go buy furniture and you finance it.. you buy real estate with the least amount possible down at market prices.And your cash reserves would only last you a few months to service all the debt.So no retail debt pay cash for anything you consume or use  OTHER Than a vehicle and decent amount of TRUE equity in your real estate no FO equity IE refi appraisal but you know the home would never ever sell for that on the open market. bascially follow Dave Ramsy and @Steve Vaughan  over the years on BP has written some really good comments on how to build an empire while balancing family life and fiscal safety..  

The 1st year will be tight financially but then it should open up a decent amount.

Decent working neighborhood, lower income but not a ton of crime.

I’m making an offer on a decent building with 3 units.

Local lenders are your best shot. 

Hey Maya - Shot you a DM to see if I can assist! 

FIBI actually gives everyone free beer, whiskey shots (If I saw what I thought and they pay for for food at an Italian restaurant.