Make sure you've got cash reserves for closing costs (around 2-5% of the purchase price, repairs and maintenance (aim for 1-2% of property value annually), vacancy periods (budget for 3-5 months of expenses), property management (if you're not self-managing), emergency funds for unexpected repairs.When choosing markets, look for those with stable job markets, growing population, and strong rental demand.

Emerging hotspots include suburban areas like San Antonio’s outskirts, Fort Worth suburbs, and cities like Temple and Waco.

We have some cash savings in the ballpark of 10k ready to invest today not including emergency fund and other savings, but that number is growing thanks to a recent bump in income.Now for the pros.

Looking to knock out all credit card debt early next year and rebuild the 6 month emergency fund.

@Guenevere F. you're going to need 20-25% down to get a mortgage.If you target $100k, that won't leave you any funds for closing cost, maintenance or emergency reserves.You could try targeting around $80k, but the $16k-$20k down payment would still not leave you with enough.If you buy under $80k, you're probably buying such a low-end property that it is unlikely to meet your performance expectations.

You'd be better off building a solid emergency fund and developing relationships with reliable local GCs.

@Chris Blackburn, while I can't speak to this specifically, there are a few red flags I see in your post.1: A Realtor has to be a member of the national association of realtors, an industry trade group primarily focused on your typical home buyer.  

We do currently have around $50k set aside for our next downpayment as well (that’s in addition to a $25k emergency fund).

Maintain an emergency fund5.

Do you have enough funds for down payment and closing costs + emergency funds 3.