Other challenges:  Tough to plug in security cameras without power, right? 

Have any of you acted as your own official inspector professional on any of your properties?

I just bought a SFR (for myself,  not for a rental;   I am officially ending my 12 years of living in a unit at one of my investments)   in skyway/upper rainier beach.  

It's not the right way to get things done but it only helps both parties. from investopediaThe FHA does not require the repair of cosmetic or minor defects, deferred maintenance and normal wear if they do not affect the safety, security or soundness of the home.

I started a Partnership with some friends and relatives who mainly are Stock Market Investors.The purpose of the Partnership, in this case an LLC, was to purchase a $1.5 Million 3 Family in Brooklyn, All Cash.3 months ago I told everyone to pull out their cash in the Stock Market.They completed their stock sales a few weeks ahead of the Market falling off the cliff.I then closed on the 3 Family at a very good Price, collected a $40k buyer's commission as I am also the Buyer Broker, and just finished renting the 3 Units, signing the last apt lease in a few days, getting approximately $6k per month in Cash Flow for the 1st year.Not only that, I am securing an Investment HELOC at a 50% LTV, so roughly $750k, which I can use to investing in the Stock Market.I had already anticipated the fall of the Market as the inevitable Corporate Tax breaks had to wear off eventually.There just isn't enough consumers that benefited, in my opinion, therefore Corporate Revenues cannot increase and profits has to either stabilize as the max Corporate Tax breaks levels off.Really, only one way to go.I am anticipating the decline to last for a while.As an Trader, however, I will eventually buy long term growth stocks but also hedge it with PUTs in case I get in a bit too early.My friends and relatives are ecstatic as they probably saved a decline in their net worth by as much as a $1 Million.BTW, there is an old saying, "It is easier to make the 1st Million than it is to keep the 1st Million."

We got all our rent and the security deposit 4 months later and she moved out.

I'll post it after it officially closes since the realtor/buyer might be on BiggerPockets hahah.

I am currently a full time nurse but want to get involved in investing so that I can have a more secure future for myself and my future family.

For put/call options, do you mean exchange-listed options on exchange-listed real estate securities (REITs)?

If you are concerned about a cracked cooktop, you can always require a security deposit.