Unless the medical condition meets the state criteria for early termination and that the medical notice does not appear to suggest that, you cannot terminate the lease outright/immediately but that you will begin to market the property for rental and upon securing an acceptable tenant, the lease can be terminated pending a satisfactory property walkthrough indicating no damages. 

This deal, i used my first successful buy and hold property and pulled a HELOC to secure financing and reserves.

It saved me when things got real (hello, crazy boyfriend with trust issues).Security Deposit: Non-NegotiableOne full month of rent as a security deposit (at the very least!)

With the future being so uncertain I realized there was a need to do more than just rely on my job for financial security. 

I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage? 

Which one is more appealing - continuing to own the house or the security of that much cash/liquidity?

If you have that experience, you probably don't need much marketing, as sellers will be reaching out to you directly.Focus on securing one listing at a time and building momentum.

Quote from @Keilon Morton: I am looking to secure my first tax sale and need another investor to go in on the deal.

Quote from @Matt Meier: Good morning,I’ve come across a renovation property available at a significant discount and would like to secure it without going the traditional 6-month financing route.

2.Are there strategies to reduce the required down payment or secure better mortgage terms?