And even if John runs into a bump in the road, he has a $10K cushion to help him through it.BONUS: John could repay the loan, using the rent from the two rentals only, $2000/month, and have the $100K loan paid off in roughly 5 years. 

Also, aiming for 70% is a great idea to create a bit of a cushion. 

I can sleep comfortably know that even when sh*t hits the fan, I've got a lot of cushion, even from 6,000 miles away.You also asked about low risk options.   

I put in $10K for rehab just to give a cushion but I'm told the properties are in good shape. 

You are going to make mistakes and you want to have enough of a cushion to be covered.

You will be able to ride on the other 5 units rents and when you are done with the one you can move on to the next, and ride an even larger cushion of rent.We did this on a 4 unit.

If they don't pay you have some "cushion" until you can get them evicted.

Yes, you end up paying for this in the prorations and prepaids, but if the property is cash flowing then you get to carve out more longitudinal margin and build up a little extra cushion by collecting rents on the first of the subsequent month without the cash outflow of a PITI payment.2.

I have a decent savings that covers 3 months of house expenses (I’m working on getting this to about 5 months cushion)Here is where I am uncertain:should I be focused on buying rental property now?

I am still buying properties today that were selling for nearly twice the price in 2006 so I think I have a bit of a cushion.