We are looking at 5 properties that the numbers reveal they should be advantageous. 2 properties are vacant complete rehabs, one is income producing with tenants in place, one is vacant needing no work, and the last is vacant with minimal work. 25 bedrooms between the 5 properties. 

Having the least amount of equity in a property will produce the maximum return on investment and allow you to own multiple properties sooner.

I try not to overextend myself so if I'm wrong about an income-producing asset or if a large expense unexpectedly comes up, I have enough reserve cushion to ride out the storm.I have no idea where we are in the cycle today, but since it's been so good for so long, my planning premise is the downside is more likely than the upside.

I would hate to tell you to walk away from an investment that could produce for decades, over one difficult tenant.

Our goal is to use real estate as an avenue to produce income to send our 2 kids to college.

Im part of many top realtor/agent networking groups, and can find you a top producing knowledgeable agent pretty much anywhere in the US..  

Investors like fixed rate, long-term mortgages on income-producing assets. 

(U) "Exclusive right to sell or lease listing agreement" means an agency agreement between a seller and broker that meets the requirements of section 4735.55 of the Revised Code and does both of the following:(1) Grants the broker the exclusive right to represent the seller in the sale or lease of the seller's property;(2) Provides the broker will be compensated if the broker, the seller, or any other person or entity produces a purchaser or tenant in accordance with the terms specified in the listing agreement or if the property is sold or leased during the term of the listing agreement to anyone other than to specifically exempted persons or entities.

If your agent is a top producer and referred you to the lender I am sure it is good. 

The property may need a lot of cash to get it where it needs to be to produce income and that may not be part of your strategy.