(the house flipper one and estimating rehab costs)I've read both - they are decent - time to go back and re-read though lol. 

I will have to reread it at least one more time to understand the different approaches represented here.  

Welcome, @Ashley Watkins.If you want to keep your first foray into real estate simple, I'll point out that when you get a mortgage as an owner occupant, you sign something saying that you promise to live there for a year.You do not promise not to rent rooms to others during that year.There's also some things we've got falling into place within the last six months that are only available for FTHB with an eye towards landlording, such as yourself - like using rental income from in-law units on owner occupied single family properties in order to qualify (you can't yet appreciate this Ashley, but 70% of the people reading this just re-read that last sentence 5 times to make sure they didn't miss anything). 

#2 Please re-read the question… "Your" buyer trashes the place beyond the $500 deposit they gave you… Now you have to pay $3500 to paint, carpet, and repair the property.

I just reread all the info in this thread.

John- I just re-read your post and not sure how it relates.

Malikeye;A couple of comments about your reply: First I think you need to re-read my post!

Don't worry, my words are in print, you can re-read it and laugh later. 

I will re-read it later tonight and digest it all and likely have some more questions for you and others.

Thank you Gary.As I re-read the thread, my post about knocking on the door and threatening to sue sounded harsh out of context.