(I had to replace an entire section of exterior wall to correct the moisture damage.)

Mindy Jensen Yeah the older materials were terrible at letting water escape and you would tend to have a lot of moisture issues.

I almost at a point where I don't even bother with home inspectors.Some other common issues with older houses, particularly if you will be renting:  lead paint, asbestos, mold (although I find older houses are leaky enough that, as long as the roof drains well, air movement through the building is good and prevents moisture buildup), steep staircases, narrow hallways.But you MUST MUST MUST do a walk-through with an experienced contractor (one who specifically has experience renovating older houses/buildings) prior to placing an offer.  

They might ask for some type of down payment just know that you have some skin in the game.

I can't see why a landlord would have any objections to this as from their perspective you are putting more skin in the game by having your future credit take a hit if you fail to pay rent and pay on time.

looks like you've got a little skin in the game already, that's great.What are your long term real estate goals looking like?

The idea of someone not buying a home because the paint color was wrong just got under his skin.  

The more unit, the more tenant issues... so only start with a 4plex if you have a thick skin, it's in a great neighborhood, or you have experience with management....If you can't afford a plex in a decent neighborhood, consider buying a plex and moving into it.  

Your land drainage has a lot to do with how well it drains off surface moisture which includes your aerobic system sprinklers as well.  

They required "skin" in the game and I didn't have the 20k to put down, so I borrowed that too.