It has a strong potential for cash flow and property values are steadily increasing.

also, you are correct about the $4500 upfront cost.

With increasing wildfires throughout the area, you can expect homeowner's insurance to be significant. 

Price may increase when we retire , I am thinking the same hence I am buying it now not when I am retiring.

I understand your point, but many people do not realize that the reason for the increase in insurance premiums is due to fraudulent claims.

I said yes, and he mentioned that he would deduct the cost from the rent.

That means the -ve cash flow will be my housing costs. 

While you could be responsible for part of the cost, you should only be responsible for the worth of the depreciated door. 

I have been doing some new construction stuff in Ohio, and I'm curious to see how our costs compare to others. 

Your cost of living sucks in NYC so that hurts as well.You say you want financial freedom, but what you really want is time freedom and the only way to get time freedom is through earning money to give you that.