I don't typically look at anything south of downtown in the flood zone, although I may as I understand the revetment may remove some of the residential portion of downtown from the FEMA zone as well?  

I would like more around 20% but then I will run into equity limits, so I may as well do a land contract.  

I'd say a high interest savings like Ally 1% or so is better than nothing, I wouldn't go into the stock market with a time frame that short, others may suggest private lending but that may a bit advanced or unrealistic for someone just starting.

If I have to check up on all the furnace filters I may as well do it myself.

I was thinking of raising rent $25 a year but offering an improvement (new fridge, oven, etc...they are old and need to be replaced anyways so may as well use it as an incentive)@EricHDScmitt This unit is "technically" an illegal unit so I could not legally rent it out when I move, although I've tossed around the idea of duplexing down from 1st floor OR meeting minimum ceiling an making it its own unit, but all that depends on cost benefit.

So if you plan to sell anyway in the next 5 years then may as well sell now.

@Ryan Wood Since you already have a license you may as well use it.

The National Association of Realtors recorded a home shortage of 5.5 million in May, a gap they say would take over a decade to close.

Account Closed - We just set the LLC up in May as part of our first acquisition.

Although as @Russell Brazil pointed out, rates are climbing so I would buy now if you can… Rents are also at an all time high so you may as well start building equity as soon as possible!