My girlfriend and I are in it for the long haul.

@Bob Bowling Bob, you enjoy toying with people don't you?

I think what you're asking about is "unforeseen repairs," like a water line bursting or a tree falling over and needing hauled off.  

If you are in this for the long haul then do it. 

As most others I need things to happen right now, although I'm in this for the long haul.

I haul crude oil in the Bakken.

I agree that when avoidable, you shouldn't purchase things that are going to lose you money in the long haul.

Being able to rent them out gradually can help the vacancy situation, but it also limits what hours you can work in the other units once there are tenants.Seattle to Tacoma is a haul, I am spoiled with all our units within a few miles of us.

With an FHA loan you can do this with only 3.5% down. i think that if you are toying with the idea of buying a home, then it'd be a good idea to go ahead and work with a Lender, just to see what price home you can actually qualify for.

Rough estimate is about $9,000 remodel.I plan to hold these properties for the long haul, at least 15 to 20 years, unless I do a 1031 exchange into something bigger/better.