I would recommend moving into your next rental option, or as many call it "House Hacking" A lot of people are saying that we are approaching the top of the market and if those people are right then any medium to high-risk investments could go upside down.

Only downside ... most of these types of products are incredibly expensive (I would obviously account for the cost when calculating cash flow).This would be a visual example of what I am talking about...

Luckily we approached a community bank suggested by a fellow investor. 

Then I would approach the seller about potentially lowering his asking price based on their condition, however if the seller has already stated they are unwilling to replace them, you may find they are also not open to the idea of sharing the cost of replacement.

Just moved back to the area and looking to leverage one of our properties as it is approaching 50% LTV. 2bd/1ba condo. 63 months with zero gaps in vacancy.

There are a lot of different ways to approach buying your first home, so sitting down with someone that knows more your specific situation would be a good place to start. 

If you want real estate to grow into a large investment for you, that is the approach you need to take.

@Andrew NealMy husband and I don’t have the duplex yet, but we’ll definitely look for duplexes that we can afford with our incomes because I prefer a conservative approach to investing.

Grizz are incredibly fast, all my friend saw was a blur of brown and then he was being eaten, hands and face first thats how they do it.

not sure if that area's economy has improved but I was looking at stuff pre GFC there and it was pretty depressed. although Its one of my favorite airports to fly into.. especially landing from the west and coming in over the ocean and Bay its a really cool approach and the 100.00 hamburger joint on the field was good. although i think it may have closed.To me its one of those markets you have to be super careful in.