I'm just not too sure how reliable/safe these lenders would be, especially with this being my first time seeking financing.

I’m not planning on buying anything else right away but want to take a year or two to thoroughly educate myself on how the market works, how to finance safely, how to find and recognize good deals and anything else that would help me make good choices when I get some money to invest.

I'm just wondering how to safely move it around into investments that are worth it and more reliable in RE.

(A)   In addition to the duties imposed upon Tenant by this or other provisions of this Lease, Tenant shall at all times maintain the Premises in good condition and in reasonably clean and safe manner.

I would never use a national resource for title searches unless it was a national title underwriter. all my note transactions are done by the local title company  No national vendors all fresh title I know most don't want to do this but I am not going to be that guy that gets a client into a bad title situation.. so we are over kill for sure as we order a new escrow on each note assignment.. but hey better safe than sorry when it comes to our investors dollars.

While initial cost may be a little higher, the money and time can save in the long run is well worth it to me plus the piece of mind I have knowing my tenants are safe and I have someone watching over my property electronically when I am not there.  

If you're ok with that kind of return you should be relatively safe and have operating expenses covered with that rental rate assuming you've done the diligence (it seems correct though since I know the spring, tx area somewhat).

Hi Joshua,  I think the best thing you can do is to have the electrician provide a cost to update the electrical and make it safe. 

Here in Colorado, I pay the following:$279 for a 432 unit community that has a pool, a clubhouse, an exercise room and pool tables, landscaping and a shared water bill$305 for a 183 unit community with no pool, but has landscaping and a playground$338 for a 120 unit community with a pool, a clubhouse and landscaping.Your mileage may vary, but your HOA dues seem reasonable(ish) to me.

There is a wide range, but this is probably a safe assumption.