If this is the only “downside”, I wouldn’t consider it a deal breaker.

The biggest pitfalls I have seen among many of my peers while growing up in my 20s is that they tend to either get wrapped up in student loan debt, other debt, or lose aspiration in exchange for financial contentment.

What were the biggest lessons learned and was it worth the cash flow savings?

You have already taken the biggest step in insulating the attic.

Only downside IMO which isn't bad at all is that it has a balloon at 15 years.

The biggest thing for us is that we do a ton of rehabs. 

It's the biggest value-add right now in the sunbelt it appears.

Since she's by far my biggest headache her rent in going to market come January. 

Your biggest risks are tenant defaults and rent collection issues.

The downside to the east coast is that looking at properties and meeting with people takes time and effort at a minimum 2-3 day trip.