We got hit with some surprise costs that I can’t afford.

It's because agents aren't understanding affordability is constrained.

I can afford the loss.

Quote from @Kevin James: Do you own AT&T?

Long-term investment should cover income shortfalls and consider alternative markets outside San Francisco or affordable markets like Texas, Ohio, or Arizona.

Quote from @Kar Sun: My tenant's lease is coming to a close and I am relieved she will be moving soon.She has been paying on time but has been extremely unpleasant and rude.While the money does not smell my mental sanity is more important than money in this case.She sent me a registered letter stating that she feels "unsafe because we have not done the fixes the way she wanted it".She requests to have her witness for a walkthrough.In my state a walkthrough is required but I am not about to grant it to her to bring any witnesses as that is not in my contract.If she feels unsafe she does not have t be present.I also do not treat a final walkthrough with a tenant as a final sign off.This walkthrough does not include a detailed inspection of the plumbing and the appliances that will be done after she departs.This is simply for the visible cosmetic issues and should take less than 1 hr.  

When looking for options for something pre-fab to plop on our lot, we keep seeing things about Amazon homes and they seem super affordable, but I don't see a ton of information on them and how to plan for the house arriving.

Start with a single family home at areas where I could afford and have a stable cashflow    Pros: Easier to manage    Cons: Would have no equity to invest in my second propertySome background about myself:Have a full-time job ($190K a year income).

For stable markets, consider places in the Midwest or Southeast where properties are more affordable and rental demand is strong.

Basically you can afford -3500/month which equates to ~$500k if no rental income.