or “What has been the biggest challenge for you as a new investor?”)

Challenges?

Another option is to put 2-3 inches of spray foam insulation then batt under that, it will assist with stopping some of the air transfer and seal it off as well.I would also check the windows in those rooms and whcih way do they face.

the one situation we do face is sometimes they just leave and go home with no notice..  

I've seen people tell bald-faced lies about so many things... to the point where my default mode is almost always to want to verify any and everything said around me. 

One of the challenges with this string is that it is clubbing together two VERY different companies.

Getting one property and cashflowing it will be a challenge. you can try seller financing but you are still going to be highly levered which just enhances the risk that you are taking on.The best way to grow is to focus on managing your rental, saving money through your W2 and crushing that - if you are a realtor you will make more crushing it as being a realtor than over leveraging real estate - then save for down payment and buy slowly. its not a rush.

That said, this might not work for everyone, so a fix-and-flip loan can be a great alternative.My team and I work with investors nationwide who face these same decisions.

@Jay Hinrichs @Jonathan Greene @Nicholas L.you have all helped me to really consider what type of challenge / path I want to get into, and all this information is excellent.

Of course, these properties are full of challenges so be prepared before you start.