As a whole, there is such poor financial discipline and sacrifice to save for things that I can't help but feel that is also a big reason for the lack of ability to afford a house.

Even the perception of in-propriety can be detrimental to "good order and discipline". 

If you are only screening tenants as good as a property manager is(meaning only on paper), then thats not good enough, it needs a personal touch. you can judge them on everything that is not a protected class, so why not judged them on what type of job they have, how they dress, what kind of car they drive, how they discipline their kids, their mannerisms etc. 

If you have the credit, discipline and future earnings to cover it, you can try to get 0% interest credit cards to cover the repairs of the property.

Discipline and patience is key.

I knew that I was not disciplined to put $2000 a month into an account because I know that I would just spend the money. 

The 4 Disciplines of Execution - Sean Covey, Chris McChesney, Jim Huling.

Nothing super complex, just break out discipline by tabs (lead generation, contractors, financing...etc).I also use REsimpli for my actual deals and that allows me to manage leads and contractors. 

I'm convinced that there is no better vehicle to attaining that freedom than through real estate and its therefore a matter of patience, intentionality, financial IQ, grit, discipline and action.Financial IQ: you need to understand the laws of money as much as your chosen area of real estate investing.

Be disciplined to put aside the reserve cash and NOT spend it in the business as well!