I would suggest that you pick up any local RE for sale books, if your area has those, and usually you will find an agent or two that advertizes in there that they specialize or do Investment Properties.

But I take your point.I'm guessing that the townhome qualifies for the "2 out of 5 year" rule for preferential tax treatment which is one more reason to sell it now.I don't like being a long distance landlord, I sold all of my rentals before I moved 200 miles, so I wouldn't keep it unless you KNOW you might move back and re-occupy it.Your math analysis is correct.

Then go back and re-finance the old house as non-owner occupied to obtain a higher LTV.

The word in my RE office is this: Men are good renters because, if so inclined, they fix things themselves instead of calling LL.They also say Women are good renters because they take better care of the property than men do.I don't particularly agree with either, I have found it depends 100% on the person.

RE Investor is right.But I know why you're confused.

that's the everlasting problem of the basic homeowner (and re investors may own a personal home, but they ain't going about their business as a homeowner does, ie. buying at or too close to market value).

i am buying a home with an 80/20 zero down.when i sell my residence i will have @ 65,000 cash.i am wanting to begin a new career in re investing.should i pay down the loan or use the cash to leverage properties.i think i know the answer but would appreciate all ideas.

The following article is featured in my November, 2006 newsletter to my property owner/clients...OWNERS.....Put your hands on your head and back away from the propertyWhen our area “sales market” started to “go away” in mid July, many rental property owners got anxious about the re-leasing of their rental property.....sometimes to their financial detriment:$ * Owners of a high-end rental home upon hearing that the landscaping needed some weeding and mulching visited the property over a weekend - the same weekend that the property was being shown by a local Realtor to rental clients who were anxious to see the property after viewing it online.

Does anyone have a good solution for re-financing an auto loan that I am upside down in?

As jedi said, most states have regulations regarding RE auctions.2.