If they say Nationwide, then you hit the jackpot because you can look anywhere

There is a lot to read and digest, but I am glad that the community is so open to answering questions.  

But, making two applications is a bad idea, sounds like a good one, but it causes issues.Credit inquiries are not the big issue, here's what can be;Bank A sees you went someplace else, the delay working on your app until you explain what you're doingBank B can do the same thingThey will delay settlements to ensure, by verification you aren't getting another loan of any kind, that changes your ratios.Dealing in good faith means a lot to a lender, if they feel like you're just jacking them around, they might reciprocate.If both lenders reciprocate, you're in the cold, butIf you can energize them back into action, you still delayed things and you have pie on your face.This is also an indication of your management techniques running your business, not cool they may decide they just don't think you're ready for their bank from a business point of view, remember this is commercial, not consumer, if they doubt you management/business skills and ethics, you're gone.Biggest flag begins with an attempt of fraud, trying to get more than one loan, usually such attempts will never happen, too many checks in place, doesn't mean someone may not try, so your intent is questioned.How to avoid all this, tell Bank A that you will go with them, but because time is of the essence and because they can't totally commit ask them, inform them, that you'd like to see if bank B could be used to back up the deal.

But the class will give you more insight, just like any school, classroom participation is a good thing.As to a finance class, always a good class to take, but you won't have a lot to apply to RE specifically from one or two classes, you'd need more along with other classes, economics and accounting being a couple.

There's a lot to take into consideration, in fact. 

This landlording gig...there's a lot to learn & you'd better have at least $10k in your savings account cuz anything can happen & when it does (believe me, it will), you will need a big wad of cash to get you thru the chaos.Not trying to scare you; just trying to keep it real.

It will get easier as the years go on, but if you don't have a lot to work with, it will be slower going.

Other suggestions are to drive around the area a lot to get a feel for the residents and quality of houses, cruise Craigslist for market rents (I do this weekly), and ask renting landlords if you can tour their vacancies.

I still have a lot to learn but trying to plan early.

Understand how adjustments are made for the differences between the subject property you're looking at to the comps selected.The valuation process, consider the market approach from sales of those comps, the income approach from market rents and the replacement approach with depreciation taking age and condition into consideration.So, there is a lot to cover before you look at financing a property and running the numbers.RE isn't like selecting a mutual fund based on past performance and investment considerations as to what fills that fund.