I wanted to do an objective analysis so I figured out what parameters were most important for a reliable, cash flowing market (Low price/rent, positive population growth or influx, and job growth) tried to quantify them in widely available statistics and put them all together for the major (and some data for minor) metropolitan statistical areas.  

This implies a cash neutral purchase of a SFR from 3 years ago would have nearly $500 positive cash flow today.  

I’m staying positive and reading my books and listening to the podcasts but still I feel like I have more questions the more I listen and learn.

Gradually, I came to almost hate rentals.Then our second mortgages paid off (we'd borrowed on our home and from family to get started), and we started actually cash flowing positive on a regular basis. 

Hey Man in in the same position, just closing on 3 properties now and flying out next month. 

The FHA Streamline sweatshops don't need to calculate income, barely need to verify employment, don't even need an appraisal department, virtually zero buy-backs, etc, so there's a whole bunch of overhead costs they simply don't have at all, and they can hire the dumbest/cheapest people for all positions.

Good position to be in though. 

The total cost of loan w/ interest at end of term (pretty much positive it isnt this one...)Thanks!!

I've been reading David Greene's Long-Distance Real Estate Investing to build some knowledge but I don't want to get stuck in the analysis paralysis phase and would like to take action as soon as possible.I'm mainly looking for small multi-family properties (duplex, triplex, fourplex) to start with and eventually expand towards commercial properties. 

Stats will show that the success rate for those in your present position wishing yo get into real estate investing is about 5%.