If I was on a tighter budget, however, and couldn’t afford a PITI payment on top of my living expenses, I probably would instead put my focus into increasing my income and/or decreasing expenses, as opposed to investing my money.Additionally, I have a goal of retiring from the 9-5 lifestyle by the time I’m 50 and relying on my RE investments for income.

I have some concerns regarding the housing market and my home value decreasing over the next year. 

Doubt you will see a significant decrease because of the inquiries.

It won’t go away entirely, but I bet it will decrease since more companies are allowing WFH.

@Kama Cicero I work in the market also and it's likely the price, units are moving but at a 3-5% decrease in rental rate from the year before.

Costs to make those repairs don't tend to cost and arm and a leg.It all comes down to ensuring you have enough room in the budget to hit your personal return target.Now if the cost to repair along with the purchase price caused the deal to decrease your return target, then at that point yes I would consider it a deal breaker.

Cash is king, a Cash out Refi could be recycled (in decreasing amounts as you noted) property by property.

Please don't get me wrong, I completely applaud getting the knowledge, however without applying that knowledge, the lesson is never really ingrained, the muscle is never truly developed.

I'm good with $100/unit/month if there is obvious room for rent increases and/or expense decreases. 

Due to COVID-19 my W-2 income has taken a 15% decrease for an undetermined amount of time.