Try to avoid Mortgage Insurance if you can.

Research the hell out of the areas you want to buy in. Get all the weekend papers, check out a few auctions and get a feel for the game. Cos it's a big FAT GAME.
When you feel more confident about what's going on, you tend to be able to spot whats fair and keep emotion out of it. Try to be a 'business' person.

xoxoxo