The two most obvious options at hand are : A/ Accumulating capital through my job before investing in real estate B/ Asking for a bank loan that would allow me to invest sooner, saving time, after doing market research Which strategy is better, in your regards ?

We are finding that our "pet friendly" properties are renting more, and that likely offsets any extra repairs & maintenance throughout the year for pet-related issues.

My only issue with the above is using the zillow estimate. 

Someone I know owns section 8 properties, he doesn’t have any issues and the rent gets deposited directly to his account.

I go over our property 4x a year looking for issues.

You would have some additional flexibility and often they won't worry about your W2 income if you think that might be an issue, as well as your credit.Certainly a lot to consider, happy to connect and talk through your options if you would like!

Money is never the issue, your focus should be finding great deals.

Property appraised for 245k; however, it was classified as a c5 which prevented most lenders from issuing conventional financing.I contested the appraisal and the appraiser held their ground, but their supervisor told me that if I slapped a coat of paint on the cabinets (these needed to be replaced due to wood rot) it would be an easy c4.I paid $520 for a new appraisal, contacted all my family and friends, deep cleaned the home and put a fresh coat of paint on the rotted cabinets and over the doors.

We hired a plumber (that we have used for years) to fix a tub spout leak and toilet repair. They fixed the toilet with no problems. They installed a new cartridge for the tub but it was still leaking. Said they would ...

Do so and you can be seen "being in the business of" which then may carrying financing compliance issues.