They are saying that the windows will take extra time and treatment, and I understand that.

As a recent college graduate, I am finally in a position where I have enough money to invest, and it just hurts to see it sitting in a bank account not earning interest so I'd like to close my first deal soon. 

They will count retirement accounts for that requirement.The loan discussion involves...A) Almost anyone will give you 4 loansB) Almost any mortgage broker can get you loans 5-10 (They will probably cost you an extra 0.25-0.5% interest rate.) 

@Brett Prescott take every extra penny and get that thing paid off by your 30th birthday.

ROI on this project will take the cash flows you earn and add the equity increase in your property.

I am also new to the idea of real estate investing and more specifically earning income via rentals. 

There is a difference between ROI and Cash on Cash return.Cash on Cash would be the net cash you earn annually divided by money that you invested (cash-wise). 

Investors paying down a rental are the most extreme conservative investors and rarely understand how little their dead equity is actually earning.

what about asking for extra sec deposit? 

My plan is to use the extra $1000 to build up a 3 - 6 month emergency fund, then build up my 401k and other investments.