This sounds like a solid investment.

If you save up and put in a healthy down payment and have solid cash flow that covers incidentals, it’s mindless.

I’m currently paying down debt by this summer and should have saved for a relatively small deposit by EOY 2019.Here is my current position.Purchased 1st property as a USDA in MauiUSDA Ln: $400kMortgage: $2202Consumer Debt: $0 (06/2019)Owe Aprx: $385,000Home Value: $500kIncome: $74k yrlyDown payment: $23k (12/2019)720 Credit score Im looking to purchase something small, preferably in a wooded mountain area (ideal for short term rental) but open to anything affordable.Right now I have my short term goals set out but been wracking my brain trying to figure out the next best possible approach to REI.Any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

They enlist several people to help close the deal, which begs the question, why were they needed anyway if the main guy is a solid capital raiser?

The long-term plan is to convert that equity into larger deals such as apartments (but I'm not quite there yet).The only reason I've been able to do all of this though is because I have a really solid W2 and I don't need to count on the rental income.  

@Jay Hinrichs While I appreciate your extreme concern for the seller, I am in a solid financial position and could write a check if needed. 

Basically, the mortgage remains in place, with the buyer making the payments.There are scenarios in which this can be beneficial to the seller and the buyer, but this is definitely an advanced strategy that should only be attempted after serious training and using solid paperwork.If you search here on BP for "subject-to" (or "subject to"), you'll find plenty of forum and blog posts on this topic.

Paint the cabinets a solid color that coordinates with the counters (which look new) and replace the missing drawer, add cheap cabinet hardware, a microwave/hood combo and do a tile shower surround or replace the surround with one that isn't so drab.

Depending on your loan type, you will need to ask your lender if anything will prevent financing, if so those repairs will need to be done prior to closing - example roof needs replacing, poly pipes, wood rot, etc. 

@Frank GeigerYea, there were also a lot of smaller things like the wood around every single window was completely rotten... and some stuff that is workable but a bit concerning like the main beam holding up half the house was built on two rocks just inches from the dirt in the crawl space... hasn’t been destroyed by termites yet, but looked like a set up for a disaster!