For those looking at alternative financing options, the USDA Rural Development loan program could be a great option. Income limits apply, as do location eligibility of the property, but take a look at some of the hightlights:
Up to 102% LTV
No Mortgage Insurance
30 Year Fixed Rates
No down payment
No loan limit
No reserves

You will also be surprised by the eligible areas. In Hillsborough County, virtually everything south Gibsonton qualifies as does all of the Fish Hawk area.

Pass this information on to your friends, especially those who might have the income to buy but are lacking that 20% down payment. As you know, I'm also a mortgage broker with Robert Stringer and Associates in Tampa, and would like to show you more about this product.

Attended a recent seminar by Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS. Dr. Yun's presentations are always insightful and backed by pertinent statistics.

Two of his more interesting statements were that interest rates will likely hit 5.5% by year end and that today demographics and market conditions make it a favorable time to purchase investment property around universities. Many properties can be purchased at a price which allows a positive cash flow based on today's interest rates.

For those around the Tampa Bay area, the University of South Florida area offers that opportunity to investors. There is a large inventory of available properties, and with the size of USF, a seemingly endless supply of potential renters.