Just be patient and you will do better.  

It's hard to be patient with all the new knowledge, but the loan costs probably outweigh the advantage of getting started a little earlier like you said. 

Being patient is part of our business! 

My full-time job is very exciting, but I have found just as much satisfaction and purpose in RE investing.

A pending issue like ac and heat makes me nervous if you haven't got 30 k in hand (and this is a capital issue that goes directly to tenant satisfaction because no ac means no tenant or rent in Tulsa summer time)..

It's very important you stay patient and be ready to play the right hand when it comes up.

I will tell you that of you are buying to flip and sell, be patient.  

In this way you can learn quickly while having someone else take the risk.Be patient.  

In all likelihood, if I'm able to be patient I think I can get to to 85k or 90k.

Better option would be for you at this point to get a concession in closing from seller for an amount given by a plumber as estimated cost of repair so that you can fix it yourself (have it fixed), so that you are in control of the work that is done and know it's done right to your satisfaction and isn't just another patch job to get the property off sellers hands and into yours for the least amount of effort and cost possible (this does happen often).Simple question with not so simple answer, sorry about that but hope that helps cover the bases.