I would do the shower renovation first, then take the cashflow and stash it for a rehab after this tenant leaves. 

I've heard it first-hand.A mortgage person that understands income producing properties applies 75% of the rent towards your income.

A way to look at it could be to find buyers first and figure out their buy box and after that go out and hunt for deals for them and run it by them when you find something.

I've realized that I'm not looking to start another full-time career.

I'm in Rogers Park, Chicago. I have several people interested in being my roommate. So far, I have two people who seem they could good tenants. I did find them on Craigslist though.My mom has one property in Romeovill...

They are furnished and it is likely that we'll use them from time to time.

Quote from @Enrique Toledo: I came across a really good seller financing deal and I would like to purchase it as my first deal but I don’t have enough money for the down payment.can I use a lender of some sort to give me money for the down payment?

Purchase price: $190,000 Cash invested: $68,829 Sale price: $299,633This was my husbands and my first ever flip.

Any other tips for a first-time landlord?

Hopefully, you find it helpful and qualifies us to assist you with your goals:)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?