@Dan Kelley - I have friends who have a European car focused shop who has been searching for a qualified technician for a VERY long time.  

One stop shopping is best.. if you can get a decent size property with 1 or 2 mid size bldgs 24 unit each or under 50... then one person should easily be able to manage it.. with 1/2 time maintenance guy caretaker..  

Really even a pretty basic 2 bd SFR will rent for $1,500 which allows you to shop up to $300k.

Based on what I've learned on the podcast and here on BP, I've been shopping around for loans. 

FHA does require that the property be owner-occupied.Keep shopping around to other banks and concentrate on local/regional banks and credit unions.

So if you closed the house in Nov. and you are trying to use it to buy it the Sept. following they will only count what is on your returns.THAT BEING SAIDI have found that you need to shop around.

Rentals have provided income all these years but my mortgage is from borrowing against my home to build a machine shop, which is no longer alive. 

What are the pros and cons of acquiring shopping centers?

"Normal" home buyers using REALTORS and shopping from the MLS for their next house aren't looking for raw land.

If the guy is in the lawn business and has a small acount at Joe's Lawn Mower Shop, that is probably not reported credit.