I think of DFW the same but not as many O&G companies and a bit more heavily toward the financial and technology sector. 

I got my feet wet on the forums here a few years back, but realized I had some big hurdles to overcome (i.e. get my financial house in order) before I could "get started".

Congrats on taking action!

Kind of hard learning things in a area where no one teaches, genuinely helps or let along want to give advice on financial freedom so i thank BIGGERPOCKETS for being my second home and this is my biggerpockets family.

And also offered was the opportunity to meet his established network to further my understanding and to accelerate the investment property buying process.It is one small step in the journey towards achieving goals and financial freedom and it is one that I highly recommend to other newbies.

Two things I like to point out to my friends/family is thatYou must live in the property for at least 1 year (house hack)You will be paying PMI when you put only 3.5% downHowever, you should not let these things scare you away, because a great deal should be acted upon, and if 3.5% is all you have to put down, taking action on the property might still be the best choice!

Make your plan, map it out, understand the financial impact that some vacancy, turnover and unit refurb costs will have on your cashflow and decide the pace that's right for you.With a staged plan to raise rents slowly or force some turnover by not renewing existing leases, I'm sure you can get the rents up to market within six months to a year.Good luck!

The banker I have worked with has required me to provide a personal financial statement, copies of past US tax returns, work contract showing my present income and other documentation (foreign mortgage) to show my monthly cashflow.Hope this helps.

We also contact local law enforcement to let them know we suspect drug activity at the property/unit, and we keep accurate records of all contacts.If said activity continues, we initiate court action for eviction. 

:) I have been lurking and learning on BP for awhile now, but am FINALLY ready to take action and jump into my first deal!