I understand you're looking for a good area with good growth at a good price in the Tri-State Area but if the numbers aren't making sense, it could be worth check out the market in the Midwest specifically in Ohio. 

Checked out their website...looks very interesting!

Find the local bank with the most branches and have the tenant make direct deposit there - no personal checks. 

I pay them all by check and all have legit full time business.....no "side work" guys.  

if I did a drug, criminal, credit check on you, is there anything I should know?

I've found a few houses with these additions or conversions and when I check with the city, there were never permits so I know a lot of people just do it anyway.

I know this is pretty obvious, but have you tried checking the Montgomery County property tax records or the property tax assessment records online for Silver Spring?

I have ran the numbers and for me, they check out, obviously I would do more digging if it comes down to actually purchasing this dealSo... my biggest concerns are that I want to get into my first property and if I find an opportunity, like perhaps this one, I don't want to miss it, but the amount of cash on hand is a concern, so I'm kind of stumped. 

I'll check the SSIC out.

Yeah I'll check that out for sure.