@Ray MillerIt might be a good plan if you have already accumulated a fairly comfortable nest egg.

That is a nice nest egg to start off with. 

If fans become clogged with dust build up or other debris (our AC condenser was home to a giant mud dauber nest one year...!)

With over 15 years of strategic, Global management experience, I have developed a track record of success and leadership in operational excellence prior to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Nest Egg Assets, LLC.

While it is not a lot of money, that money could be used for more direct mailing or closing costs on your first deal or your nest one.

How many of our parents look back and don't wish they had more than 1 nest egg house?  

I have been thinking of installing nest thermostats in each unit.

If you're limited in your own funds and don't have a good nest of people who want to invest in you, if you invest the $12,000 you have now into your first buy and hold, you are probably not going to be able to get much out to put to use since it's generally hard to pull all of your money out.

It would be a great way to learn the process while starting a little nest egg.  

Good advice given by @Rick Baggenstoss -- take your nest egg and turn it into 2 or 3 properties if you can get the financing, or put it all into one 1031 exchange and cash-out refi later on to fund the next several