If you don't know people and you don't have credit to guarantee them a return on a personal level.

@Marco Campos cashflow is great but look at the metrics such as return on equity.

Jason Gott, if you hit the return key after putting in a link it will make it clickable. 

Realistically would you have considered investing in real estate when you started out for a 4% return. 

I do plan on living there when I return to work and secure childcare.

Only problem: They barely cash flow to the tune of $50-150/month i.e. you're one bad incident away from wiping any returns. 

So, you will benefit from deducting depreciation for 3 years, but then you will have to return this temporary benefit when you sell - essentially a wash.And, as @Jon Holdman said, the deadline is firm, cannot miss it even by one day.And - very important - the rule assumes you do NOT move back.

The friend left his contact information but has not returned any phone calls.

I agree, research definitely needs to be done to assure a return as some areas just don't seem viable at all.

There are companies pounding my inbox that I should build out my brand, spend a bunch of money on videos, photos, design, Google marketing, affiliate sales, etc.... for a higher return and control of my own destiny.