I'm looking to get engaged locally and build a portfolio in the north-west region particularly, as I know it best because I live there.

Thanks for the engaging discussion!

With working full time and going to school I didn't have much spare time to engage on the site. 

My instructor was Bob Rothenberg, and he was very engaging & provided practical examples to prepare for exam content.

We've considered flipping, but are a little wary of the rates and fees for HML, and are willing to engage in another house hack, but not sure we'll be able to get a mortgage. 

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site while you wait for local networking connections. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

The main criteria is that whoever deducts the interest is the one (individual/entity) that actually paid it and that it relates to the business activity that you are engaged in. 

Engage with positive people and look at what properties sold for in your area 20, 30, or 40 years ago and see if you might be on the right course economically...