Spending a lot of time running numbers and wanted input from the community on what key metrics are being used to evaluate a property quickly so it either gets a deeper dive or it is scratched from the list.  

If you want to get into rental property investing, you need to learn how to evaluate whether or not a potential rental property is a good investment.

I would evaluate it compared to how much it should save you compared to your current living conditions.

For example, if someone tells me they want 150k for their house, and I say, highest I can go is 120K, that seems like I am directly telling them that their evaluation is wrong, which makes them emotional and you'll rarely win in that scenario.

When I evaluate for my clients nationally even STNL single tenant there are many things to look out for.

Because of us occupying 3 of the 4 units for the first 2 years, do we need to take into account normal metrics for evaluating properties (such as cap rate) or as long as all the costs fit within the budget we have set for ourselves is it fine?

The downside is you have to find syndication teams, learn how to evaluate deals, and build up investment capital. 

On the other hand, if you don't qualify for one reason or another (and there are numerous reasons people and entities don't qualify), a portfolio broker should be able to get you done with little to no seasoning.StephanieYeah, I know its the cheapest money I'm just curious how much more I would have to pay for a portfolio loan so I can evaluate if the 4 months I need to wait while my $ is tied up and not working on the next deal is worth it or not :) 

Here are some code excerpts:31-17-1 (M) "Primary mortgage loan" means any loan primarily for personal, family or household use that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling as defined in Section 103(w) of the Truth in Lending Act or residential real estate upon which is constructed or intended to be constructed a dwelling;31-17-8(M)(4)(4) Require the borrower to pay, in addition to any periodic interest, combined fees, compensation or points of any kind to the lender and broker to arrange, originate, evaluate, maintain or service a loan secured by any encumbrance on residential property that exceed, in the aggregate, six percent of the loan amount financed, including any yield spread premium paid by the lender to the broker: Provided, That reasonable closing costs, as defined in section one hundred two, article one, chapter forty-six-a of this code, payable to unrelated third parties may not be included within this limitation: Provided, however, That no yield spread premium is permitted for any loan for which the annual percentage rate exceeds eighteen percent per year on the unpaid balance of the amount financed: Provided further, That if no yield spread premium is charged, the aggregate of fees, compensation or points can be no greater than five percent of the loan amount financed.

Need help evaluating an opportunity to invest in 3 duplexes, 6 units total in downtown Pensacola, FL.