You could consider house hacking to reduce out of pocket expenses.It’s definitely an appreciation play not a cash flow play but with the federal government here appreciation is consistent - you won’t get super high appreciation like some places but also don’t get high depreciation as well.

So you have 25k to play with right now, not 40k.

This is where the power of leverage comes into play.

I have truly realized how realtors play an invaluable piece of this puzzle I am trying to put together. 

I guess I always played it safe because of the security blanket it offered me.

He plays the game and was able to let them use 100% of my lease agreements amounts.

What role does being named "Additional Insured" play within the context of a Lender?

Invested $40,000 with the online store.   

If she wants to play in small claims court and waste everyone's time you can't stop her.

And on top of that, I’d be paying rent or a mortgage somewhere else.I understand real estate is a long-term investment and that appreciation and equity plays a role, but losing money month after month, even post-move-out, is hard to justify.