@Michael L. the reason I replied to your thread is that you and I do think alike; in the past I had created a list of "intangibles" that I would score two or more properties on, as a tie breaker of which to offer on first.My list, in no particular order is: market time, age of big ticket items i.e. roof & windows & hvac, neighborhood, schools, view, curb appeal, potential, floorplan, owner's benefits (size of master suite, common areas), and "gut feeling".I never actually used the list.

It's in your best interest to have anyone that's going to be living in the house and over the age of 18 on the lease.

My long term goal is to obtain some rental properties and retire on their cash flow when by the time I reach age 59.5 (easier said than done I know, especially in socal).I little bit about backgroundReal Estate = my wife and I currently live in a 4 bedroom single-family detached home bought in Ontario California at the end of 2009.

He wants to maintain that throughout retirement, which begins next year at age 65. 

It doesn't matter your age but more importantly that you are eager to learn. 

I commend you for finding this at a young age.

If I was back at your age with one child, I would go for the house hack on a duplex or quad.

No, my girls don’t need $1 mil in cash if I pass away at age 70 and they’re 40 years old.

@Michael Caro first of all congrats on trying to take this plunge at age 20!

@Matt Everling I have found that they want more like 40-50% down depending on type, age, etc....