@Kyle Hipp, I'm especially curious if you're running your AC a lot in your test, as we have the same weather.Our dehumidifer is Energy Star, and we water plants with our dehumidifier water to try and save a little, but would welcome not having to use it!

Other areas that sell homes for 80k offer better options and yes pickings are slim here  but there are deals out there.

There is an interesting 10 questions quiz that I thought of sharing with you.So, if you have a few minutes, I challenge you to test your financial fitness as a current or future parent at the link below.http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/financial-fitness-quiz/article24937089/

I have a lot more field tested advice on how to be successful with lower income properties.

I have heard conflicting stories on how much it cost annually to be a agent after the completion of testing and acquiring a job. 

I make transfers between accounts as needed. 2 SFRs - one checking account for both the rent deposits and paying all expenses including mortgages connected to the same savings account above for reserves.The only reason I have the separate checking account for the SFRs is because my wife doesn't think the SFRs make money and doesn't really want me buying SFRs so its sort of a test to see/show her how well they cash flow.

During his visit he fully inspected the AC unit, testing air flow, inspecting coolant levels (which were found to be normal - the tenant had complained that coolant was leaking, that turned out to be condensation) and establishing that the unit is blowing cold air at a normal rate.

Flips are certainly selling quickly, but the mighty slim pickings and price point shuts out a lot of local investors.  

I have been working on my real estate license for a couple of months, and was able to pass the test 2 weeks ago.

@Susan Perry  your accredited investor I would surmise... take a look at the crowd funding portals out there  I like Realty Shares and Realty Mogul ... both of them have 1st trust deed investments that you can put small amounts into.. to test the waters on debt investing. for as little as I think 5 to 10k you can do a trial without spending a bunch of money you can then see how debt deals are structured and get your feet wet.. these usually bring in about 8 to 9% or a little better.. first position TD's.. local HML will usually pay a little more.But for an experiment and something you would not loose sleep over you may want to give it a shot..