I figured that may be good for someone who has a small rehab or someone who recently ran into an unplanned problem during a rehab. 

The property is located in WA state which has legislation on the floor introducing rent control and changes to eviction laws.Money facts: As a rental the property cashflows $310 after mortgage, escrow and managment, small repairs planned or unplanned negate all the cash flow.If I sold it I could expect between $140-150000 after taxes and expenses.

I've known that I'm not meant for the corporate hamster wheel for a decade, but have ignored that little voice in my head because I was taught that going to college and joining cubicle life is what you're *supposed* to do.Debts$30k in student debt at no more than 6% interest (most under 4%)$15k in credit card debt at no more than 13.5% interest12% of my gross income going to 401(k) with no matchPrimary residence payment is 15% of gross household incomeNo car payments; none plannedAssetsCashed-Out on equity of Duplex #1 to purchase Duplex #2 and to improve cash flow on #1Purchasing and renovating Duplex #2 to increase monthly cash flowExpect to have $15-20k in remaining funds after #2 purchase/reno$25k in an untouchable (per hubs) "Oh Sh*t" fund$7k in stocks that could be liquidatedDisclaimerCredit card debt was due to two back-to-back major unplanned primary residence expenses when we were only on one income.

If that means making an offer without looiking at your prospective homes just include a clause in the sales contract that states you will have the right to make a detailed inspection before you will close and possibly back out of the deal if the inspection report unveils a cost that was unplanned for without a penalty that will hurt you too much.From all that I have read full time we are in a seller's market but we do not count on things that will happen in the future.  

However, if you're a late teens to mid 50s couple -- peak traveling ages mind you -- and there is a small % you may conceive, even if unplanned, then many should and/or would think twice going tropical. 

I did add a little when they uncovered some unplanned repairs (approximately $500 additional).  

The fact that they are already "lawyering" before the lease is signed about unplanned, purely hypothetical situations, is a sign of things to come. 1.

We Energies ended up paying for about half of the cost, but it was still almost $1000.I was not too happy about the unplanned expense, until I spoke with one of my neighbors on th street.

Pooling reserves makes sense, just make sure you have enough to cover anything unplanned and that you don't get too thin.  

This unplanned electrical work put us way over budget and delayed the project by a month while we scrambled to find a licensed contractor willing to do the work.