Plus, living in the property gives you the unique advantage of understanding it inside and out.. making you a better landlord when you eventually rent out all the units.If I were you, I’d prioritize properties with room for rent increases or small upgrades that could boost value.

Furthermore, while not obligated, RTR financially contributed to help this investor offset missed rents from the tenant, which it sounds like the investor later recovered from the tenant eventually.

I worked them, remodeled them and made very little money and eventually sold them for little to no profit.

Eventually it becomes second nature.

Eventually we upped the budget to get something we would absolutely love even if it was slightly cash flow negative.

So the property may break even or even "lose" $100-200 each month for the first year or so but that number includes the capital I'm putting aside each month for the eventual water heater, roof, or vacancy. 

Not only would the rent cover your heloc costs (eventually) your property value increases giving you the equity you options for additional real estate investments down the road. 

Rob just finished 1 flip.

Eventually I figured out that if I sunk all of my cash into properties, I wouldn't be able to buy any more for a long time and starting using some leverage.

He did eventually have success.