You could negotiate with the seller to provide a credit towards your closing costs or reduce the purchase price.

There are several ways to reduce W-2 taxes with real estate.Contribute to retirement accounts: Regularly contributing to your retirement account will steadily increase your net worth.

We are in a semi major metro (Tampa) so while labor is always challenging it is not as difficult as a small town I imagine. 

If your healthcare needs are relatively low, an HSA can act as an additional long-term investment vehicle.Additionally, tax-loss harvesting in your taxable investment account can help reduce your capital gains taxes, allowing you to offset gains with losses to improve after-tax returns.

Will it reduce my cost of living when compared to renting?

This reduces the amount of upfront capital you need.2. 

Help them reduce risk? 

A strong labor market can lead to wage growth, which further fuels inflationary concerns, making the Fed less inclined to cut rates in the near term.However, many recent jobs reports have been revised downward after their initial release.

They may sell at a reduced price compared to a homeowner who has taken care of and loved their property.None of these repair issues are a deal-breaker by themselves.

Add one hour of labor and you're at $100.