The migration is there, just nowhere near what they thought it'd be.The only reason it is not worse is because some even got stalled due to unexpected issues beyond supply chain(funding and taxes).

You can look up this growth on many news outlets.

This will cover your minimum down payment (3.5% for FHA, 5% for conventional) plus will allow you to cover your closing costs (if a seller concession/contribution is not possible on the deal you and your agent negotiate), plus it should leave you with some additional funds left as reserves in case unexpected repairs come up after the closing.As far as how much you should be saving each month, you should try to save as much as possible.

The 2nd month demanded an extra $17K of work which we anticipated to spend $25K with in the year but the costs was unexpectedly in our face. 

I am just closing on my first investment property, so my advice isn't terribly helpful there, but any business person needs to have a personal emergency/reserve fund as well as funds set aside for business emergencies - do you want your business that is generally healthy to fail because something unexpected came up for 20K and you couldn't meet that demand?

You already did the big things.Wash walls, repaint, wash ceiling, repaint, look into HVAC ducts, clean filter and ducts by air intake and outlets by where he wall smoke was heaviest. 

@Joe S.Yeah, like outlets in the wall instead of a ceiling light?

The biggest challenge has been slow labor from the contractors side and unexpected issues that could have been seen with proper inspectors.

-Be prepared for unexpected expenses: Be prepared for unexpected expenses, such as repairs or replacements of appliances or furniture,Considering the recent news about Yale new haven hospital buying out Manchester and Rockville hospital, it sounds like you are in a good location and your idea of short-term rentals for healthcare workers could be a good opportunity.

@Rich G. private lenders are tougher to find than you might think especially on your first property, regardless having a good cushion for unexpected repairs is always a good idea.