I also need 6 months reserves available so essentially the more properties you buy, the threshold becomes tougher post 2007/2008 melt down as you have to set aside and have more money up front.Your question of how much cash return should you target/door is absolutely based on your down payment but also your variable contingencies. 

People think of LA as a melting pot...well, tbh, it kind of is but when it comes to SFR locations, it isn't AT ALL.

Other "damage" that we've had to use funds from this account to pay for were small things like a new coffee pot (when the lid was melted in the dishwasher), a new set of sheets that were damaged by a wet bathing suit bleeding red dye, and a new twin mattress when a special needs child accidentally wet the bed.As for security deposits on AirbnbI learned recently that if you use OwnerRez PMS software you can charge an Airbnb guest a security deposit.

The roof needed replaced, there were BB holes in the back windows, every inch of copper pipe was corroded, the fuse box was somewhat melted and the house had been sitting vacant for over a year.

Some of the siding was melted, but other than that I was pretty lucky. 

All 4 commercial tenants have been really good and the only thing they have asked for is a bucket of ice melt.

first off congrats for pulling the trigger at a young age and qualifying for  home.just because a builder was sued or on the news does not make them the devil.but regardless most of the sub prime melt down was this exact attitude.. what does it cost me today ??

(study the art of word pictures - many years ago I worked for the Dale Carnegie organization - they talked about the value of word pictures - how to put your prospect in that picture - showing him using and enjoying and benefiting from your proposal)  Try it.I like to show sellers that even if they are not getting the up-front cash they expect, the owner financed mortgage and payments they are receiving don’t have to be passive – once the seller has trust in your seller financing proposal - reach your goals is possible - (ALWAYS PUT IT IN WRITING -don’t expect a verbal yes – melt everything down to writing and knowledge of answering seller’s objections – this is a crucial moment in your negotiations. – Take your time.

(salt water melts iced goo quicker).i would replace/reset the wax ring (they also make waxless now: rubber cone or foam type). i like to use 2: one is the oversize one, and a regular one to "butter" around any gaps to the connecting tile floor.i would use some lye (about twice per year) (please no drano) or baking soda and vinegar left to bubble followed by large amounts of water.extreme DYI: use a dry/wet vacuum on the push (NOT pull) setting

To illustrate this point I know flippers who killed it 2007-2010, when the market in SoCal was melting down ... they bought for 50 cents on the dollar, fixed the house, and sold for 80 cents on the dollar.