I have excellent credit ( 780 ) and numerous credit cards with a total credit availability around 150k. 

Also if you have experiece doing so, a numerical step by step response will get you my vote -- Thanks BP, you rock! 

Sure they sold you your primary residency (and got paid nicely I'm certained) but from an investors standpoint its not what they are interested in and they've showed that on numerous occasions.

I have also been listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast (being able to listen as I work) and have learned numerous information that has helped me start to take RE more serious.

Books have been written on the right and wrong ways to by liens the number of ways to lose money are too numerous to list here.  

It's not as hard as it seems, with numerous low to no down payment options for owner occupants, some of which include down payment and closing cost assistance.To get started, it's important you build yourself a dream team (investor focused REALTOR ;), lender, contractors, title and insurance professionals...) who will lend their expertise and knowledge to help with your REI goals.I hope this helps and wish you all the best!

It would be difficult for 10 to prove they were there when they moved in especially after signing something saying there are no pestsPersonally I would test it in court I've been to court numerous times unfortunately have never lost

Now if you are a go getter they are numerous web site you can use to get comps like zillow and realtor.com.

In my triplex that I own I've interviewed and done business with numerous subs to handle different projects.

I've run into numerous difficulties, but one that sticks out is Proof of funds!