Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Half of all expenses come from mortgage and you should budget the same amount for repairs, maintenance, taxes, etc. 

Just adjust your purchase price to create the amount of equity you want in the property.

@Scott Smith WOW you couldn't have answered my question any better and offered a great amount of clarity. 

I think you are on the right path, and you have done a fair amount to educate yourself by studying etc. 

One thing I have learned so far is that some insurance companies will insure you for the replacement cost of the dwelling, however, others will just give you a buyer's policy for up to a certain amount. 

If all you are pulling out of your home is the amount you need for 25% down on a income property you can not be over leveraged.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

The problem is Zillow has made it such a minor commitment for the renter to click "they are interested" when most of the time they don't even read the ad, and a fair amount of the time their "interest" is merely a fleeting thought as they browse.