It could be as simple as getting it re-appraised by the city so its taxes reflex MF.

Pick a solid B-Class suburban area.

a) Can they pick it anytime from the title company or can the title company send the seller a check for the earnest money anytime. b) Or does the seller have to wait to get the earnest money when they get their final check?

It really was a simple steam/solvent cleaning and grout replacement fix.

They say, " if you can't take the heat then stay away from the fire", in other words if you can't absorb the cost of doing business then you are in the wrong business, simple as that.This is why I can't stand all of the jerks selling people on the concept that people can do real estate with absolutely no money, no credit, and no experience. 

Looking to start out with a STR property and have a few cities picked out. 

The other way is by cherry picking locations where they could be needed (areas of high growth, difficult zoning, past attempted locations, etc.). 

Pick a small first project and watch YouTube!

Thats the simple answer mind you.If you are wanting a SFR for your main residence then you either need to make sure that the rent you get, from the unit you use to live in, covers your new mortgage in order to keep the same cash flow and savings.

Would like to keep it simple small standing shower.