This debate always reminds me of what came first the chicken or the egg.

If its not fine, hook up to the sewer, hope you can just fill the tank, and sell it before the sewer fees eat you alive!

Taxes and Condo Fees (not HOA) eat up more than half the rent.

Really eats into your profit margin.

He feels you should put all your eggs in one basket and then watch the basket.

It's only a stepping stone to break free.While you are slaving, eat ramen, roommate up or live in trailer, avoid Starbucks and tuck every dollar you can squeeze out into a bank account. need 20% down and money for materials. so for 80K home (trashed), you will want 35K banked to get started, just a rough idea.Then, get pre-approved.

Our income is not going up,  it will actually buy less and less every year as inflation eats away at it,  and her medical expenses will likely increase. 

That means, I don’t have to work 40 hrs per week and drive 10 hrs per week to make enough money eat and pay bills.

You'll want to know where the people work, eat/drink, enjoy/dislike, and just get a sense for the community.

You're going to be eating at the real estate investing buffet here, sample all it has to offer, but take note of the things you like and that are good for you.