As far as timing goes, I work full time (from home as a technical writer) I am studying all of the REI content on BP to establish myself.

Reverse Mortgages are not assumable as suggested by a earlier writer.

Some of your direct writers don't really want the exposure of a real estate investor (especially the more you grow). 

I like the blue...There is a lot to like here, you clearly did your homework on what appeals to buyers, but I agree with the other writers, the house needs to be spotless clean and also attention to detail is paramount...if buyers see a bare bulb hanging from the ceiling, they wonder where else you cut corners and what they cannot see that might be shoddy.

  $75,000 would rebuild you much of a rental.I would suggest calling a local insurance broker in your area as they will have more options than a direct writer/agent who only represent one insurance company. 

Perhaps you should be a writer!?  

I am a freelance writer, and about 8 years ago, I figured out how to increase my personal income and savings by becoming self-employed.

The writer responds, offering a few unsolicited introductory personal details, specifically mentioning that he's a US Citizen, but currently working out of the country and moving back home because his contract is ending and he plans to stay here for more than 1 year.

Regardless of the actual numbers, I think millennial home ownership is probably alive and well in ol’ Decatur, as starter-home barrier to entry is under 10k.The Wall Street Journal writer then suggests that we “consider” a Roth IRA.

It just sounded like you made attributions about the writer that weren’t supported.