I will throw this out there, but you do NOT need 40 doors to reach your financial targets (unless you're wanting a massive amount of monthly income). 

There is a remedy for that but it is not cheap. 

On the other hand I don’t want to be cheap and losing money in the long run bc I’m not properly fixing things.

I’m trying to keep things moving, but this $20K requirement is throwing a wrench in my plans.

Right now I am aiming to do two houses a year but could always throw in a partner to do more with! 

Look at quality properties (not something that is cheap and looks good on paper). 

Slip and falls are a leading liability concern a property owner should be aware of and snow removal is not something to cheap out on. 

Some people have $35,000 to throw around, but I definitely can’t afford to waste money like that.

How much weight do you give to the cash flow benefit of cheap debt when the property is priced above market?

Everyone will tell you it’s great to get started early, or you can just move after a year, but in the current environment in our region the rent your property will generate after you move out will likely be less than your mortgage, if you are tied to the area and feel confident you want to stay in whatever property you buy for 3-5 years go for it, if you want flexibility rent and throw that money into and index fund.