Sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders and are doing all the right things to educate yourself on the industry. 

I'm not going to name specific markets but there are a LOT of cities throughout the US within geographic boundaries that are often very close to each other, that have extreme disparities in income, educational attainment, safety, etc. 

The HOA restrictions specifically say that "Pets must be kept in a manner that does not disturb the peaceful enjoyment of residents of other lots" and one of the terms of the lease is that the tenant abides by the HOA restrictions.How would you handle this if it continues after you warn the tenant, and the neighbor keeps complaining?

And if you are interested in continuing to invest in real estate beyond your house-hack you will have already laid the ground work for future investing opportunities.

I would recommend that you and your husband continue to get educated about real estate investing.

I would start with some of the educational material here on BP in order to get answers to those questions and the many others you will encounter!

I think I will take your advice and deal with by debt, before continuing to invest.

Most contracts take 60+ days and in the course of that time the property continues to operate as usual (or at least it supposed to).

Its the big ol’ saying…buy low, sell high.The 2008-2010 selling/buying spree may repeat again if the trade war continues and international investors decrease dramatically their investments here.

They aren't for everyone and I AM NOT signing up for their educational system, which looks incredibly valuable, I just want to save the money I have for closing costs and any down payment I might have.