I wanted to help them out and minimize their loss and saw an opportunity to get a property slightly below market because of my commission savings, immediate mortgage and maintenance relief, in addition to keeping a lower short term interest rate How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Took an extra 6 weeks than planned,  but ultimately got it done. 

(I don't have $10k liquid, are there other options or do I just need to save-up for a few months?)

I'm often surprised by the things tenants due to save a quarter.

This translates to at least $10 K a month in savings.

Start saving up and buy your first place.

Do you save three months of vacancy for each unit and $50,000 for the roof replacement?

I guess they are holding you ultimately responsible for pricelabs raising rates.

Two, you'll have a much easier time obtaining a mortgage product if you have a track record of W2 income.In the meantime, continue implementing the strategies you mentioned: save religiously, build your credit, pay any existing debt owed, etc.

That ultimately means their property value goes down, and around 65% of the Nation are homeowners:https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/RHORUSQ156N  Great point Jake.