The “how bad do you want it “is a great headline” but not everyone is cut out to do certain things.

If you think rents will continue growing and values will continue growing, then buying before rates are cut could be good.  

That would leave you with $230k to do the renovation, and cut down your negative carry by 2/3. 

since my goal is to be able to cut down my hours for quality of life purposes.

This is California for you, cut throat.Lastly, we have no copy of the loan contract and all we have is the paperwork from the Elite Home Energy ( work order and notice of cancellation).

Admittedly, I am eager to find the right property and invest my capital to begin generating returns so sitting on a lot of capital for months or years seems wasteful.  

I have seen too many people not only getting in trouble with the IRS, but losing their investments to sketchy but appetizing "opportunities" to cut taxes.

Cast Iron drain and waste lines typically have a 50 - 60 year life.

Quote from @Tiffany Roberts: Not everyone is cut out to be a Landlord.Yes, you may kick yourself in 10 years.

Here is a quick update on the market for you:Fed's almost certainly going to cut rates this month—traders are split on how big it'll be though.Odds are at 75% for a 25-basis point cut and 25% for a 50-basis point cut.