We are currently in a n escrow for a new home, our own to live in.

Have enough that after you buy the property you still have 6 months of expenses in reserves that you can use for daily living.

I have 1 partner who provides up to 75% of the down payment, however, my goal has always been to live below my means, save money, and invest the saved money as a downpayment. 

The wear/tear is much less for STR because the guests do not live their full-time.   

if you buy it yourself and turn it into a live in flip and absolutely crush it, great! 

It is live and able to be edited or changed anytime.

You'd be surprised to learn that someone living in a rental or apartment, that has a family and is a successful small businessman, has the money and is willing to take that deal.

Even though we live in earthquake country, this was a new experience for us.

You want to focus on areas where you have a competitive advantage (you have lived there or you have family and friends there) and then compare those areas against widespread list of great areas to invest.Good luck!

This year I received a bill from the PM with the following line items and costs: - Bathroom 1 : Shower/Tub Caulking | Re-caulk tub- Bathroom 1 : Toilet bolt caps | Missing bolt cap- Bathroom 1 : Window Covering | Missing miniblinds- Bedroom 1: closest to the front door : Door/Knob/Lock | Door know needs tightenedNeeds deadbolt installed- Bedroom 1: closest to the front door : Window Covering | Broken miniblinds needs repaced- Kitchen 1 : Wall/Ceiling | Pull nails and spackle- Living Room 1 : Wall/Ceiling | Nail and holes in paneling- Living Room 1 : Window Covering | Miniblinds need repairedLine ItemsDescription AmountMacomb Glass Invoice $40.99Sherwin Williams Invoice $40.60Walmart Invoice $62.37Total $2,271.271 of 2Ace Hardware Invoice $82.93Ace Hardware Invoice $28.33Ace Hardware Invoice $42.50Macomb Glass Invoice $188.58Walmart Invoice $135.30Ace Hardware Invoice $65.19Ace Hardware Invoice $9.78Shop Supplies $3.00Labour hours 24.18 @$65 rate $1,571.70Total $2,271.27This is a very small, one bedroom apartment in a fourplex.