so, for each individual person, it's more or less doable.if it's going to take you years to save up a down payment, can you increase your income and/or cut your expenses?

This just depends on you personally.

Same facts, except that John only has 3 days of personal use in the year. 

I know that much of it is based on personal risk tolerance but any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

So now it hits a rich and famous person.

I personally reserve 15% of my rent per month for maintenance, capex, and vacancy.

Salt Lake (also Zions) Navy Federal 80% LTV LONG draw period of 20 years, and 20 year repaymentNevada State Bank, in first positionNorway Savings Bank, MaineOmaha MortgageOne Nevada Credit UnionOregonians CU - ORPenFed - StoppedPeoples Bank of NCPioneer Bank, MNPNC Bank on primary and secondary (2nd homes) must be in personal name and 50% DTI is required.PSECU up to 80% Quorum Federal Credit Union 80% LTV, owned by LLC is OK.

The drop leaf table folds up for a third person or move it out for a 4th.

I haven't used Investor Carrot personally and know many people are happy with it.

 Once a person lets earnest money  go hard, they become emotionally attached.If you find yourself in a situation, where there was something majorly different than what you realized, then it is my firm opinion that it is best to let the seller have your earnest money and take stage left.Remember, no deal is better than a bad deal.No, I have not always been the master of that particular principal.