Besides applying my critical thinking and analytic mindset to REI, I don't mix much.

Mention those to the Title Company so they can give you the best advice.That is answering more than you asked but it is a critical piece of investing that most people don't understand.

Know how to take constructive criticism.

If you're a single mom with student loans, a car payment, and living paycheck-to-paycheck, then $20,000 would be devastating and a reserve is critical.

Constructive criticism is welcome also.

May seem like a moot point, but it is critical to understanding your basis to begin with.Getting to your question now: I believe @Jeff Copeland hit it dead-on with this.

The cash flow from rentals is critical to future success when your unsure of what the economy is going to look like with Covid/new election etc.   

@Heeyeon Chung  no problem.So, since you already have some RE experience, you'd be happy living there long-term, and it's not critical for you to be able to refi at a certain time, that all makes it sound a lot more appealing...One other consideration:Is the layout of the house set up in a way that allows you to rehab certain parts of the house without having a major impact on your quality of life? 

That's critical.

There are 6 critical factors to consider for future cost of living as it relates to retirement. 1.