Your time here will be well spent.Since you didn't mention a REI area of interest, I added the below links for your review and selection of one of the three most popular niches so that you can pick one to focus on.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the 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/https://www.biggerpockets.com/webinarhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

The policy mostly to prevent straw buyers (an investor using your name and credit to buy a property, and his down payment), but also to ensure the investor has skin in the game.

I'd compare/contract all other financial options before committing & ensure you've considered everything in the financials including vacancies.  

Do check your local laws as they may be different than mine here,now ever, owners have the right and responsibility to inspect their properties and ensure the property is safe, has the required smoke detectors and carbonmonixide detectors, etc.

What is the recommended percentage you should put down to be conservative, not over extend yourself, ensuring good probability of no financing hiccups?

On my last refi, the bank told the AMC to get the appraiser to ensure we pulled permits.

So if you default, they'll want to ensure your down payment is enough to cover their legal costs and any damage you might have done to the property. $10K+ isn't atypical.

I would call Real Acquisitions and ensure the filters you wanted are working properly. 

Focusing on what you do best will ensure you are successful. 

@Dakoda Spencer when a bank does a loan, they will get an appraisal done to ensure that the property is worth at least what you are purchasing it for.