If you don't understand EVERYTHING about the root cause of what caused the water issues and how you can prevent that (and the cost of doing so) after seeing it, then it's not for you.I feel the best fit for most first time buyers is a low risk, appreciable asset, perhaps in a good school system. 

What kind of soap do you like? 

You can try "conventional" financing from bigger banks (the benefit of getting a 30 year fully amortizing mortgage), but that's as painful as a root canal in my opinion. 

I have some experience at this.what we did when we were buying SFR rentals was:1. new pex piping 2. new roof3. new HVAC mechanicals4. new waste line to the street. ( number one call we would get was backed up plumbing from root intrusion)5. upgrade electrical panel and wiring as needed.So we would look for homes were we could do these things the first month or so of owning them then put them into service. 

So ask questions that get to the true root of the financials.

I know that most of the water damage is from the attic, I am also concerned about the root structure in the foundation. 

I’m rooting for ya.

Surface mold can be cleaned off, but if mold roots into the walls and woodwork, most of that will have to be replaced.

Originally posted by @Kyle Root:@Theresa Harris would you raise the rent right to market value even with the potential chance I lose the tenants or would you increase it over a few lease terms?

Self-doubt saysI can't beI can't doI'm not good enoughI'm not smart enough.There's not enough timeIt's too hardYou have to get to the root of what is stopping your success, it's not what you can see that is stopping your success, it's what you can not see, and it's within!