Now, we want to evict him ASAP and make our other tenants feel safe and comfortable.

To do this, I don't need to be "rich," I just want to be comfortable with finances.So, to start off, I've taken the beginner course here at Bigger Pockets.

I think going with a cheaper SFR is a more comfortable and safer way to start. 

Its was well worth the sacrifice of comfort for a short period of time. 

They feel a responsibility to keep the common areas clean for the other tenants whereas when I had ones who knew each other they were more comfortable leaving messes out. 

On the other hand if we can stick to this same budget and raise our savings from $2k to $5k a month even 6 months of work might be worth it.The other crossroads I'm currently at is trying to train myself for a new position, so if and when I am laid off, or when I'm at a comfortable savings rate I can transition from this job to a more stable career.

@Ed DerenAre you comfortable working with your CPA remotely?

I think it all depends on your comfort level and how much you actually want to be physically present.  

Because I plan to hold for at least 5 years, I’m comfortable with 15% or more equity in my current markets, so I generally will do a 80% or even 85% LTV on the cash out refi.Hope this helps. 

It’s just the amount I am comfortable putting down is not enough to cover 20% of most properties while still retaining enough for an emergency fund.