So, my question would be how do we get a balance of tax benefit, take advantage of expenses, and still be able to simplify loan qualification?

Not only does the beneficial W-2 income provide a great cushion for investing into real estate, the systems and process mindset with engineer type jobs is highly useful for creating a Real Estate Business.I develop automation systems and processes that simplify my Real Estate ventures using a number of apps and tools.

For example (with simplified numbers):If you can buy a property for $50k, put $50k into, and end up with a property that will appraise for $150k, you should be able to refinance and pull all your money out.If you buy a property for $450k, put $50k into it, and end up with a property that appraises for $550k you won't be able to pull all your money out.

As much as possible I'd recommend getting really clear on your goals in life and how real estate fits into those, and then iterate from there.If you are buying at a distance (specifically you're not moving from house to house and collecting houses as you go) then it would be a great simplifying factor to buyer AN asset or two with many doors, but there are other ways you could structure it so that small multis are the way to go.So, back to the root . . . what do you want to accomplish in life, and what role does real estate investing play in that?

I also got "Real Estate for Dummies" which has less humor and is a bit dry, but it helps with all of the little details along the way and simplifies several concepts. 

Thank you so much for simplifying it.

I still want to proceed with the refi because the new loan will not only simplify my bookkeeping, it will increase my cashflow by $850'ish a month.

I really was looking for a lender who would be willing to lend me on the bulk deal with one loan and simplify the process.  

There is no best forumYou can post to BP, LinkedIn etc but those avenues are not places where you say “give me money” or “invest in this deal”People on most sites will want to build brand authority.Raising money simplified is sales.

I'll have to simplify it a bit for what I need to use it for, but this is GREAT.