You can simply say a more qualified applicant (i.e., higher income) has been approved.

Too many newbies all over the place make it, like you say, a low value event.

Hard to say as my husband will probably never retire.

You can go to a portfolio lender, they can make you a purchase money loan at 100% of the purchase price by applying an amount that would be say a 25% down payment on your existing property and 75% on the purchased property.

New homes will not appreciate as fast and renting out individual rooms will incur a higher vacancy rate and turnover than seeking long term tenants for say a duplex unit.  

Hey fellow San Diegan - I'm not experienced in any of this but glad you're raising all these points as I'm super interested to see what others have to say, as well.

I would like to know what some small time self managing investors are doing to minimize the risk of becoming the target of say a disgruntled occupant that you have to evict from a foreclosed property. 

On the other hand I guess who is to say a spouse couldn’t up and leave just the same way. 

I would say a fairly typical schedule would be as follows:1-3% deposit prior to any work being done.20% after initial demo is finished, gutted materials removed, and permits are in place20% after rough plumbing and electrical is finished20% after flooring, cabinetry, etc. is in place20% after exterior landscaping, paint, etc. is foneRemainder after final punch list is completed. 

Say a tenant pays on January 1 for the entire year.