Ideally we have a new lease in place, with tenants to move into a property with only 7 days of down time. 

I am unsure of your family situation, but I personally love the concept of house hacking when you don't have alot of commitments to a family or anything like that yet, you can buy two-four units at once with a multi-unit and I personally think that will easily allow you to achieve your goal of 10 properties in 10 years I have a goal set for 30 properties by 30 and I am only 20 currently, but my minimizing actual purchases and maximizing units within your scope you can afford a little downtime in between purchases while you get the hang of it, I'm no expert but this is approach I am taking towards it, and it is food for thought, good luck

I live in Midland, there is still demand for rentals but you must buy the deals right to work in down times.3) "West" Texas - Not "real" west TX (El Paso to Pecos), but that awkward in-between area from Abilene to Ozona that is between West TX, Central TX, and the Panhandle. - Somewhat tracks with O&G as it is on the edge of the Permian Basin and (especially down by Ozona) some older oilfields.

Compared to the Gulf, you're going to have a longer winter downtime in the Outer Banks, which may mean lower annual revenue per SF and dollar spent.

This way there is no "down" time, and additional cleaning, or repair work, will not be delayed due to no power.

Contractors will take jobs that pay a bit less if they know there is zero sales or negotiation involved and can move from one job to the next with no down time. 

You have to account for repairs and furnishings and down time getting it ready.

You will need to make sure you have cash reserves in addition to the $15k for down times and maintenance. 

But it's starting to slow down and give me some more down time. 

Would love to connect with anyone at the event on down times.