Think about it: The mortgage will be paid monthly by the tenant, so that's covered by the tenant while I have a good chunk of cash to weather any storm that comes with the property. 

Add a carpet.Your door is a weak spot for sure so get some peel and stick weather stripping that the door will close onto.

This creates a moppable urine resistant flooring system.

I would recommend looking down south as population and jobs move towards the warmer weather.

If you find a great deal and you're in it for the long haul appreciation, I'd say go for it if you can weather some losing months and aren't looking for cashflow.

After my offer was accepted, I had a 5-day contract option period for inspections/negotiations: During this time, we could get all inspections done, except for the roof inspection which could NOT be done due to rain/bad weather.

I was stationed at Fort Hood as a weather forecaster and worked right next to them.

Unless something spectacular happens with weather or heat in California.

Those properties that are not feasible for you could be wholesaled to other investors as and help put cash in your pocket to continue your efforts find properties and keeping properties you like and can afford.I would advise caution in keeping properties with no money in reserves to weather obstacles that may occur so you don't lose the property.

weather delayed, contractor was traveling from out of town Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?