In our 3 properties, we typically run a less than 5% vacancy, actually its less than 2%, but I always take 5% of the monthly rent for that emergency fund in case I run an eviction that lasts several months. 

My background is in emergency services (including fire department) and I've done victims' services for a Fire Department for a number of years.

I'd like to just save the cash flow and not touch most of it for the first several years to build up an emergency fund.

Looking into emerging cities and wondering if you could advise on how to utilize the median income and average household income for cities that are unfamiliar.

Disruptors continue to emerge (i.e.

-if there was an unexpected expense (such as a car repair or family emergency) that the service member didn't have the cash or credit to pay for, we would arrange for a certain military charity to offer a no-interest loan (or sometimes grant) to get him by for a couple months.  

save up that initial 20% for a conventional down payment, have another 20-30 % for repairs and emergency funds.  

Do you happen to have an emergency contact for her that you could reach out too? 

For investors and entrepreneurs who are willing to navigate through the complexities of this emerging market, the returns can be tremendous.

But, thanks to learning about budgeting for emergencies and CapEx we have survived and overall have had a challenging, but positive experience.