Unfortunately, there was an undisclosed leak issue that my inspector uncovered, which the seller was supposed to fix.

However, if a carport is an enclosed structure that looks like a building - meaning it has a roof with solid walls and a door, it will be considered real property (27.5/39 year). 

Rentals create cash flow, and that's what we want as real estate investors, but you need cash on hand for unforeseen circumstances.The AC needs to be replaced, that's $7K to $10K or more depending on the size of the house and if you have one rental, it will eat all your cash flow, same to replace a roof, etc, or if tenant trash the home, you need money to fix it again.To me personally a nice rental portfolio that is healthy consists about 10 units, so if you have an issue with a house the portfolio can cover the repairs and still healthy, but when starting you need to have cash on hand just in caseYes, there are multiple strategies you can use to hack your way to buy your first rental with minimum cash, but I would start wholesaling or fix and flip a few deals to create that cash as fast as possible

What about when you need a new roof?  

Likely will not require permits or consultants $45-$65 per sq ftFull Rehab: This includes all of the above, and new systems, new roofs, windows, some siding, non structural or minor structural reframing, finish basements, convert garages.

She did update the mechanicals and roof, so those pricy issues did not have to be addressed.

As you run your business, you may have to buy a new roof unexpectedly, or replace the hvac system unexpectedly, or replace kitchen items on a turn because they've been destroyed or reached the end of their service life.

Estimates are bout 400k for full gut remodel (hvac, plumbing, electrical, roof, mostly new windows, kitchens, and baths, minor re-framing) New plan is for (2) 2B1B units and will rent for 2k and 2500/mo. 1 unit is a larger 2 bedroom.

I will be adding a bedroom, possibly newer windows to the top unit, fix a pipe, and redoing the roof.  

Especially since you don't live in SD anymore.Lastly, multi family units and apartment complexes simply offer greater economies of scale for maintenance and other expenses because it's more "doors" under one roof.