I think the simple answer is the best one. 

Then when you build enough down through savings or refi, do the same thing again.In the City of Portland, the tenant rules are pretty tight, so you need to be aware of them prior to thinking it is just a simple matter of "I'll just kick out the tenant and rehab the whole thing."

Now some simple math.

I'll stay the course and keep my eyes on the chairs that ARE there, the ones that are ALWAYS there for the DIY handyman investor: hold on to solid properties, find solid tenants, offer solid pricing and solid maintenance.

Cozy had a simple way of adding credit to the upcoming Tenant rent payment (reduces the rent on a one time basis for the upcoming month), but Zillow does not seem to have such an option. 

I did my first deal with zero training - partner and I split $25k on a simple flip. 

Sometimes a good business opportunity will come along, something as simple as a coffee kiosk at a low lease cost somewhere high traffic that can make a good cash flow. 

Simple bath and kitchen makeover, new laminate floors in common areas, painted all rooms, painted exterior.

Unfortunately most DIY landlords buy the cheapest locks they can find at Home Depot or Lowes which means they are Grade 3. 

I paid off the mortgage and it the rental income is $48,000 per month.The next most important thing you need to be successful is you need to know how to do simple math to know what properties are a good deal.