I went through similar experience when I purchase rentals from a turnkey provider in Indianapolis.

It saved me when things got real (hello, crazy boyfriend with trust issues).Security Deposit: Non-NegotiableOne full month of rent as a security deposit (at the very least!)

With the future being so uncertain I realized there was a need to do more than just rely on my job for financial security. 

If you have that experience, you probably don't need much marketing, as sellers will be reaching out to you directly.Focus on securing one listing at a time and building momentum.

I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage? 

I know many landlords set a credit score threshold around 580-600 for Section 8 tenants since the program provides a rental guarantee.

Assuming plans are needed to secure a permit.

They’re asset-based, meaning the loan is secured by the property itself, and they often have quicker approval times but higher interest rates (think 10–15%) and fees.

This could potentially meet your financial needs by itself as well as provide start up money to do flips or purchase buy and holds

I believed I was putting that hard-earned money into something secure.