I don't know if the excuse that the buyer gave to your listing agent was true or not.

Soon (but not too soon) kids will be thrown into the mix and I fear that they will just be an excuse to put off investing further and further until I get stuck in a situation where investing just won't be feasible. 

As others have already said, there’s really no excuse for this, especially since we’re such a landlord friendly state (I can file an eviction, attend the hearing, and have the tenant out all in about 2 weeks).

I think for someone like me who has yet to do the first deal (soon though, no excuses) the idea of leveraging is scary.

We don’t let ourselves get abused by repeated excuses though.  

Don't use the market as an excuse for your fear of the unknown. 

If they come to you with excuses of roommate #3 doesn't have his fair share, that is not your problem.

Please excuse me. 

NO EXCUSES for late rent...I don't care if the job burned down and the tenant lost a leg.

My guess is that the agent has had several offers, by the MF class being so hot right now, still not an excuse, but it may be an explanation.