That said, I've unexpectedly been approached by a cash partner, so I don't think I'll need to do another FHA in the future :)

But your first time is free, so if you want to check out, let me know and you can be my guest. 

What if the greatest opportunity for our success lies in how much we are able to serve the world (people) around us?I know that, for me, many of my “big breaks” have come from the least expected places – stepping out ...

I buy power extensions that have USB outlets in them, but not really.

It's exciting to do well in RE sales, but it also can come and go unexpectedly from time to time, especially when you're newer.#1 Rule of playing the investing game is to not get taken out of the game. 

It's one thing for the property to fail due to unexpected costs.  

Might be hard to justify renting with all the cash I'm going to need to put in along with unexpected monthly maintenance from tenants.

Now, if your cash flow projections don't pan out or something else unexpected happens and you need or choose to sell, then you are stuck ... the only way then to exit will be to bring cash to the closing table or let the bank take it back, neither of which are attractive options for you.

I think you're attracted to having no mortgage so that you can afford the unexpected surprise (vacancy or major capital repairs; for example a new roof required).

Long story short I started a new job, in March, in the process of all of this and was sent to Africa for 2 months, unexpectedly, and sat holding the property until Oct 1st, 2016.