Most people starting out don't have any cash, and therefore go the wholesaling route, as Sean Gallagher mentioned.Nick Dallaire, since you're in Malden, if you find a deal inside Rt 128, or South Shore, there is a program that provides 100% financing, but it is very expensive, even by hard money standards.

We're on Maryland's eastern shore.

These preparations would help in many situations... temporary loss of income, natural disaster, etc.

I would say that it's easy for a tenant to claim the person was "just a temporary guest" though too.What does your lease and/or city say about guests and what's considered a guest?

With virtual assistants and temporary office spaces provided, small businesses simply don’t need a physical office anymore. 80% of business can be done though a cell phone on a golf course and the rest at the dinner table with your client.

Anyone in the community investing in Oceans Shores, WA? 

Something else to look out for- some college towns have designated blocks that can legally rent to multiple non related people (some call it the "animal house" law - many NJ shore towns did this as well)  which can technically be considered a boarding house, which requires a license in some states/ towns. 

Shore up your finances and get your safety net in place.

Now read up on your building codes , there may be something in it about "temporary structures " see if permits are needed for swing sets or sand boxes .  

SFR investment property, you can/should be able to do 15% down - but you will not particularly like the interest rate + PMI, so "there's no free lunch" applies.If it's a BRRRrrrrrr anyways, there's a refinance in the near future, so who cares about the temporary 85% LTV interest rate and PMI.