I've wanted to get involved in real estate investing for several years now, and have sat through enough classes, webinars, and courses to whet my appetite - now it's time to take action!

Almost 20% for a $900 property is steep.10% of rents, 1 months rent as the leasing fee and a smaller fee for lease renewals is what is commonplace in my market.Them hitting you with the 10% & the $100 is excessive as well as the full months rent for the renewal.

There may be excessive moisture coming from the slab or subfloor causing the laminate to warp or as Michael stated the installer may not have left enough room for expansion.  

After 18 yrs I deduced my exposure was less that 1% probability and ultimately threw the S-corp and LLC overboard as excessive cost to maintain.

I'm working as an Engineer with a decent salary, however I'm using my excess cash to pay down my existing debt incurred from my previous business.

You can make money in whichever areas you like, depending on what is affordable for you, your appetite for risk and what margins you want.  

Also I am checking to see if there is signs in the area of excess crime.  

Most rentals with higher perceived risk can be offset by requiring an excess security deposit and/or a third-party guarantor for the lease, and/or prepayment of rent. 

The plan is to house hack and rent to friends so they cover my mortgage while banking that excess cash flow to get started on another property after a year or two of living in the first property.

Some preliminary details to get your appetite going.