I'd ideally like to do this process and not cost much money, but having a good roommate does matter to me.

Misjudged the job cost (contractor error, usually results in asking for more money)2.

I also advertise before someone moves out to get a new tenant before the current one leaves. 100% occupancy on a LTR is very common for me.No idea on a MTR.100% occupancy sounds great, but for a bigger portfolio or apartment complex, it usually means you're leaving money on the table.Here’s an extreme example: I could rent out 100 units at $500 a month and make $50,000.

I agree with you that I would not want to tie up all that money in home equity when it can be working for you to make more money.

If I donated to aids health foundation and they spent the money on rent control instead of aids research or health care, I would be pissed.  

Starting with a smaller property or a few fix-and-flip projects can help you build equity, gain credibility with lenders, and better understand the process before scaling up.Securing funding for larger projects can be challenging without prior experience, but options like hard money loans might be worth exploring.

Lastly, if I was able to get this home at that price below market, are there loan options that require little to know money down, since it is at/below the 85% LTV?

I think they contain solid information and will help lay a good foundation as a beginner (Haha, I'm completely new to real estate as well, btw)I'm also going to be reading the following books, and hopefully I can finish all by the end of this month:1) The ABCs of Property Management2) The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing3) Long-Distance Real Estate Investing How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties (this might be the most important one to me personally)4) The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownIn addition to reading, I'm consuming crazy amounts of youtube videos, and I'recommend you do this as well.

I’d take a property with good tenants over more money but constant turnovers any day.

Should I spend money on professional photos?