If things are an emergency and plumbers and electricians need to be called then that is just part of the game.

You'll see areas that didn't flood jump in value and new desirable neighborhoods emerge. 

I am a soldier in the Army and my wife is a full time emergency room nurse in Savannah.

You really want the partnership to have some cash on hand, at least $5000 or so ($10-15K would be better) to handle an emergency situation, like a new furnace, roof or eviction or some other big, sudden expenditure.  

I have rooms rented out in my home to offset the mortgage payment (not cash flowing since owner occupied) plus another $3k dedicated specifically to marketing and $10k in emergency funds.

I'm sure you know that this area is experiencing a lot of growth, if I had the flexibility I might focus on a house hack in an emerging market or maybe a town/city close to some of the areas that have low inventory.  

I've got little cash on hand but am putting away about $1500/mo. now, with 5k already in the bank (emergency fund).

How have you dealt with issues of emergency repairs in a tenant's unit?

I decided to keep saving up for a down payment & use a Heloc as a reserve account for emergency cap ex or repairs only account.

I am an emergency physician practicing in NY.