@Greg M.Thank you very much for that advice.

Once again, I would read the book ($10) and do my own do diligence before I ever take the advice of anyone in a forum, but I'm definitely getting in, as I see it as a way to provide people who can't or just don't want to deal with the bank for reasons of their own.

Sorry for the following Contrarian advice, but you're not a 5 year old so:The only reason to buy a personal residence (Home) is because someone is forcing you to.Usually, this person is called your Spouse (which is Latin for someone who forces you to make horrible financial decisions then criticizes you for them endlessly:)perhaps DON'T buy a home, just rent something affordable and invest the 20% or in your case 50% into the stock market (sp500 16.1% yearly return last 15 years, 11% last 50 years, 10% last 125 years)remember, your RENT is your maximum monthly housing expense, but your Mortgage is your minimum or starting monthly housing cost, it always goes up from thereI've, owned 2 personal homes, 100% appreciation in 6years on #1 and in 7 years on #2, (I timed our market perfectly both times), with 20% down and very low mortgage rates, but after honestly calculating all expenses, only made about 5-6% a year "investment wise".

We have an owner who, against our advice, recently installed a thermostat that only they can adjust, and from three states away. 

Quote from @Scott Trench: Hi Folks - I am fishing for more advice from the experts in the forums here. 

Any advice on knowing when to purchase, what to purchase, etc. for your first property, would be great!

Happy to talk through your current situation and offer advice or contacts if needed. 

@Miguel Del Mazo advice is probably a really good approach.

Things to look out for/consider with renting to EDEN tenants, anything you'd absolutely avoid doing, any advice, etc.? 

I also completley share his advice on a bias for action.If you are interested in a good book reference with checklist like models, check out "The Perfect Investment" by Paul Moore and "The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No and Low Money Down" by Brandon Turner, both also available in audio versions.