I am very much a rookie in the game of real estate investing, and was excited when I learned about the BiggerPockets community.

I think an investor that wants to be in this game for the long haul is going to have reserves, and those should be held as liabilities against the property, so it should deduct from the numerator, in my opinion. 

@Ned Carey, and @Dave Meadows - yeah avl has game. we saw pretty ridiculous appreciation in our neighborhood, like 30% over last 3 years. such little inventory as well. the influx of breweries and the long term development plan for the river corridor / river arts district is so promising. all we need is a surf / kayak wave (manmade whitewater feature) right in the middle of town, and we'll be on the next level!

I don't want to wait, so I'll be looking for a second portfolio lender to do a few loans for me until the first one is ready to come back in the game.

They could be misleading me but that is part of the game I guess.

That, as you might expect for a new investor back then has had it's bumps and bruises but it has only furthered my passion.I currently market software, but realistically..

While agreeing with Dave on personal finances, I also have read all of Robert Kiyosaki's books and have ace'd his cash flow 101 game. 

YES if you are willing to admit to yourself that you will be ETHICAL and play the game to win.......

I'm ready to jump in the game.

RE is a numbers game.