Have you considered tapping into your existing rental equity for the down payment?

But then I am still stuck with the monthly payment of $180 a month. 

Have you looked into the Turn Key Method?

You want to buy real estate with no savings, which even if you can scrape together a 10-20% down payment, means you will have no cushion to fall back on when the inevitable surprise expense happens. 

As far as SingleKey actually paying out on claims for tenant non-payment up to 12 months, property damages up to $10k reimbursed, covering 30 days of vacant property losses and helping out with tenant evictions up to $2k (as advertised), curious if anyone on here can attest to SingleKey actually paying out on these claims successfully.

Is refinancing not an option in your mind because of the high pre-payment penalty?

Bank pushed us to 40% down payment so also executed a $85K seller carry-back loan to cross the finish line.

Still use paper method for mileage logs.Tried QuickBooks several years ago but it was more complicated and I did not need the bells and whistles.

We are hoping to streamline tenant communications, maintenance requests, and payment records. 

If you’re patient and methodical, though, cash flow can absolutely become a reliable income stream.Hope that helps!