Like what happened in the wildfires in CA and the NW .. we have to keep in mind whole cities burnt down as well in N.

Keep saving as much as you can.

I love spreadsheets, but if you are a newer investor, there is nothing that will keep you in analysis paralysis longer than spreadsheets.

If all else fall, I’ll just keep it myself and foreclosed on it when the time arrives

Keep saving as much as you can.

Are you buying to flip or keep as a rental?

We intend to keep the SFR as a rental.

i cover pest control and lawn care on my stuff. keeps down on issues and i know the place looks good. for my student rentals i also build in a quarterly cleaning fee where my cleaning lady comes through and does a deep clean. extra eyes on stuff and parents happily pay it to ensure their kids have a solid spot. pass through cost for me and well worth it. 

My options are:Sell: Maximize down payment in NC, reduce debt.HELOC+Rent: Keep NJ property as an investment, rent for potential $3,300/month.I'm interested in long-term wealth building.

Found out later that he is a serial non-paying tenant that managed to keep judgements off somehow.