@Guenevere F. you're going to need 20-25% down to get a mortgage.If you target $100k, that won't leave you any funds for closing cost, maintenance or emergency reserves.You could try targeting around $80k, but the $16k-$20k down payment would still not leave you with enough.If you buy under $80k, you're probably buying such a low-end property that it is unlikely to meet your performance expectations.

Maintain an emergency fund5.

We do currently have around $50k set aside for our next downpayment as well (that’s in addition to a $25k emergency fund).

Do you have enough funds for down payment and closing costs + emergency funds 3.

Make sure you've got cash reserves for closing costs (around 2-5% of the purchase price, repairs and maintenance (aim for 1-2% of property value annually), vacancy periods (budget for 3-5 months of expenses), property management (if you're not self-managing), emergency funds for unexpected repairs.When choosing markets, look for those with stable job markets, growing population, and strong rental demand.

However, in the event of an emergency, the Landlord and/or his agent has unrestricted access to the property.

Then when you're skilled up and confident you can take your remaining non-emergency, non-reserves cash and scale more aggressively. 

They're good to have open access to capital/cash/equity to a property ahead of time so you can execute a deal or purchase when the time comes on a split second decision (versus having to apply to a loan at that time which might take 20-45 days to get approved/closed/etc plus by that time you dont know what your future income/credit/assets will be like in order to qualify anyway).The second use is sleep at night factor and having a reserve of capital in the event an emergency event occurs in life.For these two reasons is why I use lines of credit.

Instead, focus on immediate delivery units or work with reputable developers—we have a trusted list from 9 years of experience.For something even more under-the-radar, there are also other emerging markets in the Mexican Caribbean that are becoming very attractive for investors—less competition, lots of potential.Let me know if you’d like more info.

I mentor aspiring/emerging developers in my role as a part time CFO, particularly when it comes to the financial side of real estate investing.