I predict that the substantial home price cost savings and greater control they enable the buyer to have will make them grow in popularity.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

So far, I’ve worked on automating things like tracking expenses, sending out emails, and setting reminders for important deadlines.I’m wondering if anyone has any other suggestions for tasks I should look into automating to save time and streamline my workflow?

But now I'm thinking of renting the whole house and getting a cheap apartment to save even more money.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.

In the long run it would save you $. 

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Set clear goals, save for a down payment, and practice analyzing deals to build your confidence.

When you add that: "The downpayment and closing costs would be one large hurdle"; I can't tell if you can only afford to do this once (thus tying up whatever you have saved) or multiple times.