Plus the challenge with mid term is you are generally on the hook for things like internet, utilities, etc.

This is a common theme across the country with many municipalities enacting similar restrictions including where I am located in Philadelphia. 

.$8,981 mortgage at 7%$2,918 expenses monthly 33.38% of Gross rental income (Prop mgt, maintenance reserve, utilities, Prop Taxes, Insurance, other)$6,852 NOI/monthly ($2,129) negative monthly cash flow..Same scenario with 50% down, $864 positive monthly cash flowNot saying it's the best use of capital or the only way to do it, instead providing an example using an available market opportunity to share what the numbers look like. 

My goal, over the next five years, is to utilize real estate in lieu of my current hourly consulting income, by building a portfolio of rentals.  

Financial Freedom Network I laughed at -- after reading the agreement, no comparable value for that monthly price -- 3 or so years ago, if value has changed now, my time-based disclaimer is as aforementioned -- and Legrand would do well to disconnect FFN from his name, as I believe FFN is now out-sourced, whatever.I empathize with you , Joe and the other responders, but when I read Legrand’s, and most of the other guru’s, contracts prior to trying a teaser product, it clearly stated in the agreement that if customer did not want the upgrade service for which the teaser/free product, free video, whatever, was being given away, then customer must cancel within the stated period of time, which almost always range from 30 to 90 days [60 days is becoming more common, as more folks forget to cancel]So long as terms to cancel are clearly stated prior to contracting, I don’t find it unethical, -- and real estate gurus have merely adapted a teaser or rebate marketing technique used in most every industry -- recently even Chrysler cars [try our minivan for 60 days!

I think there is a common misunderstanding that licensed contractors cost more.

That's three months of mortgage and utilities, the cost of flooring, and the cost of painting.

To minimize capital gains tax on the sale of their primary residence, your in-laws can utilize the $500,000 capital gains exclusion, potentially explore an installment sale to spread tax liability over several years, or consider converting the property into a rental to use a 1031 exchange for tax deferral eventually.

You're on a great track - best of luck and definitely utilize BP as much as possible! 

Another option would be to utilize a property manager to manage everything and keep a buffer between you and the tenants.