If you agree…Should my “Initial Investment” for the calculation be the $50,000 I earmarked to invest in real estate?

Apparently she and many of the other residents suspect that the management company is pocketing monthly fees that are earmarked for improvements to the complex, and has been towing condo owners' cars for nonpayment of disputed bills.She and many of the other residents in the complex are non-native English speakers and of limited means.

On top of your down payment, I would always earmark 10K for closing costs. 

Check to see if any payments earmarked for your property were "accidentally" applied to an HOA board members property.2.

I save 12% every paycheck and the government matches me 5%.”2.Other than your company savings plan, do you have any savings plans earmarked for retirement such as a Roth IRA, IRA, SEP IRA?

After the super-bowl a few years ago, the city earmarked millions of dollars to improve streets, roads, bridges, and infrastructure. 

@KJ Tottle If this is capital you've earmarked for investing in real estate, I wouldn't drop it into an index fund. 

I have this ear marked for some projects of 2 properties I already have, but generally, this would go toward your next purchase.Hope I didn't make that more confusing.

We are able to get the property for 400k and have earmarked about 150k for rehab costs, although Id expect them to be in the 125k ballpark.

Your story has all the ear marks of how's and whys people fail starting out flipping.