We cushion that number then most deals are way too far out of reach.  

Start with a deal you know will cash flow, or find something to rehab, add value to the home as a cushion in case the market tanks and start there.

Your lender has the capacity to hold a cushion.

This cushion is critical.

At the height of the crisis, CNN said the national savings rate was -1% unlike 10% of your yearly intake is in savings to cushion the blow of a layoff and help to keep the family, and the economy afloat.

Borrow more than I need so that I have a cushion of cash to live off of while job-hunting or deal-huntingTax write-offs for travel and expenses related to volunteer work (domestic and international)Factor 3: Budgeting, Knowledge, Experience, and Connections Developing the habit of living within my means, and investing the rest.Knowing that I can jump in and out of the RE game whenever I want.Having the confidence and resources (not just financial) to take many different risks (not just real estate) to live an interesting and sometimes-carefree life of freedom while I pursue my passions.Knowing that I don’t need money or credit to make a great living RE, so long as I keep my integrity and reputation.

It's not perfect, but at least the investor knows there was something tangible there and there was some amount of cushion.  

Likewise, just 2.5% of homeowners have <10% equity in their homes, highlighting the cushion US borrowers have against going underwater.4.)

Especially when starting out, OK to keep some cushion and equity in the properties to make sure are OK if things deteriorate. 

Also I was thinking that having more of a cushion at least ($300-$400) cash flow can help me with unexpected cap X and other issues that may come up.