The only time I'd say it's an okay idea is if either: The area you're investing in is expecting so much appreciation that you will easily profit off that (watch out for mortgage interest though...the appreciation needs to be higher than what you pay in that and expenses to make it profitable)You have some specific reason for wanting to do it- family ties, future home, major long-term hold, etc.Maybe I'm forgetting another one, but those two are all I have for now...

What you put in is what you'll get out, it's just that simple. 

You may have to search a bit for the right contractor or engineer - sometimes I see one solution dominating in an area - "that is how we always do it"  Thanks for the input - yes, it sounds like the specific area this house is in is particularly bad for foundation issues.  

Yes Pittsburgh is a good choice for Investors who either live here or are remote as the buy-in is a lot more conducive than other more saturated markets.

I am already have a good lender that has pre-approved me with a DSCR loan so all I need is to find the right market to invest in!I

Quote from @Dave Skow: @Nathan Harden- thanks ...I am  also here in WA  and  moved from  OH many yrs ago .....my wife is from Medina OH ......what about looking  closer to  here  or maybe a bit  north ( stronsville  etc) What part of WA you living in?? I

ya those are totally open ended questions your going to have to figure it out from here on your own or with someone else chiming in.. I

@Sean Doyle - Toledo is the only city I operate in. I

We are really clueless, but at least we jumped in.  I

As to how much I put in I originally put in exactly 4% of my net worth in March.