The Reality is stuff costs money.

Also, I would also not cross-collateralize the houses if a lender would even do a portfolio loan.On your second question about multifamily, I would not jump to multifamily until you have experienced the common management problems with single-family as the expenses scale with the size of the property as well as the cost of mistakes.I would consider getting Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) on each property.

If no mention was made of any type of special cleaner in the lease - that seems like an error on your part and would be a cost that you would have to bear.if you are charging the renter how old the units are makes a difference.

Expect there to be costs to appease the tenants.  

I'm looking at a gains amount of 40K after closing costs, realtor fees, and tax payback.

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson negotiated a deal with Napoleon Bonaparte that effectively doubled the size of this young nation.One might even say President Jefferson was the original distressed real estate investor.

You could try to find more aggressive fixed income funds or ETFs, but transaction costs and market volatility could make your life difficult.

The borrower / partner should have assets to show  (25% down payment + closing costs+ reserves)5.

Lenders will generally loan up to 4 times a Veteran's available entitlement without a down payment, provided the Veteran is income and credit qualified and the property appraises for the asking price.VA county loan limit: 2016 Loan Limits (Effective January 1, 2016).

I've always had this dream of a beach home within walking distance to the beach, so I realize I probably need to back up and look at this more objectively instead of emotionally when it comes to extra wear and tear and higher insurance costs, weather impacts, etc.