I fear there are going to be many a broken hearts and lighter wallets following that advice.I could write a glowing book on this stuff but its not reality for beginners at all in my mind. your statement above is solid gold. !!!

A home inspector  is too low on food chain , they wouldnt be recognized by the building inspectors You would need a engineer to inspect and certify what was done .  

The only places I will be able to afford are way out in the suburbs, unless I strike gold. 

Ask your local code officers who some good contractors are the code officers will know which contractors do a good job and are professional, call your big building supply chains.

The only thing I personally disagree with are the $300 sheets (again, this is NOT to take away from his posts, his post is 100% gold to someone starting out).

Great tenants are like gold. 

Thanks Erik, this is gold.

Money has no emotions.Go for the gold. 

Thank you Chris, and I must admit that I was not aware that medical bills were treated differently . sadly, I lost everything , house, truck, and had to file BR in chapter seven which is discharged but being self employed puts me at thevbottom of the food chain for now.

I know that real estate in San Diego is VERY expensive.My question is based on this property https://www.redfin.com/CA/San-Diego/8351-Gold-Coast-Dr-92126/unit-3/home/4861308, is 573,000 too much to go with.