So I don't want to spend $90K on a down payment and closing costs and only have $25K to fix it up.

How much are you spending on tax filings, anderson advisors, banking and checking accounts per year?

I would just be spending half as much and getting half as much equity.

It’s free and that is one way to get free listings.judical states also have to file a lawsuit and you can search civil suits or contact sheriffs offices to get the calendar and listing for foreclosurespaying for a site is all in one and maybe worth it compared to how much time you are spending searchjngif you stay in one area then I recommend what I mentioned  

REPS requires you to spend over 750 hours annually and more than half of your working time on real estate activities.

Not everyone wants to spend all their time with their kids..

I spend 1 hr (on the high side) per month managing. 

Or, can you spend a little (or a lot) more and find a home that you'll be able to move into sooner and with less stress along the way?

Nope - My strategy assumes that rates rise long-term, and calls for spending less than I make.

Lots of fakes out there so be careful.And its not so  much they will steal up front money from you.. but you waste time and money finding a place thinking they are going to fund you put up non refundable EM spend money on inspections only to have your deal die because you got with someone who cant fund or never could fund.