Sounds good in theory, but reality is that it's a negotiation starter.Further Reality:1) If you have a great, not just good, lease, you'll have so many lease violations listed that you can then tie into, "landlord has the option to terminate lease with 30-day notice".

Worst Case: You may be stuck with 12-24 months of cash tied up until you can prove the appraiser's numbers were off and a new appraisal is warranted. 

Start with a small insignificant space to learn what you need to learn (keeping planks from shifting, layouts & cuts, etc). 

You make very good points.. as I said unless folks are going to be very frugal and single all their lives money needs at 25 or these very low amounts these folks are talking about are not going to cut if you want to be FI and Financially FREE  

This is one of those "it depends" situations without a clear cut answer, so with that in mind, here are a few things to think about.Do you or your mom want to be in the business of managing a short-term rental?

This will help you cut your learning curve and get into your first deal much faster!

You also should keep in mind your closing costs which could cut into a chunk of your 19K unless you have already accounted for it. 

For example, 5% for capex on a SFH in AL on a $900/month rental (so $45/mo) just wont cut it if you have a roof that needs to be replaced within 15 years and will cost $8K - you need to save $45/mo just for the roof! 

The property is vacant,the grass grows as tall as me and I’ve seen a man cut the grass there twice in 2 years with a vehicle parked in the driveway with out of state plates.

If it were me I would get another job and my wife get another job   As well as cut out all nonessential spending   In 2 years We would have the down payment VS 2 years from now saying I WISH I had that 20% down