At a minimum, creditors generally must consider eight underwriting factors: (1) current or reasonably expected income or assets; (2) current employment status; (3) the monthly payment on the covered transaction; (4) the monthly payment on any simultaneous loan; (5) the monthly payment for mortgage-related obligations; (6) current debt obligations, alimony, and child support; (7) the monthly debt-to-income ratio or residual income; and (8) credit history.

I'm at a time in my life when I'm saving for all kinds of things (wedding, new car, investing) and feel much more comfortable with what is a reasonably steady income (I know no job is guaranteed) I am not a huge fan of leverage, or debt of any kind, which is why I'm putting away money like crazy.

I would get pre approved but also run your own numbers and see what YOU are comfortable financing.

Own as many as YOU want, and as many as YOU feel comfortable owning.

I remember the deal fondly and think of the house as a home because we brought our first child there when she was born and it is the place we sort of founded our family...warm memories.

As I get more comfortable, I may look at other things and less a %.

Don't get me wrong we live comfortable, but not enough to just hand me money.

Are you more comfortable with that strategy? 

With a good property management company, I am quite comfortable not being across the street from it.

It took a few years, but when parents were claiming their child care expenses on their returns, it finally caught up to them.