I'm exceptionally impressed with the power of PropertyRadar and it's incredible value.I must also disclose that Sean O'toole is a friend of mine. 

Con: unsecured debt = credit score hit.

I have a low 800 credit score and can't find local bank or mortgage company to give me a loan prior to settlement on a cash deal.

Test score performance is directly related to neighborhood demographics...

I am very glad that I did that, because we do all our screening through Appfolio, which uses Experian for credit checks, and we also report to Experian Rent Bureau, which records lease dates, owed balances, and also can help boost or drop a credit score based on the tenants payment history.

So yes, the place is small and the area isn't that great, but it's increased in value almost $250K over the past four years so I'm ready to sell and walk away.Elizabeth Colegrove , I guess I'm "risk averse", and despite a > 800 FICA credit score, I'm not sure how easily I'd get a reasonable mortgage since I'm hoping to use the rental income to replace my W2 income within  couple of years.My basic goal is to purchase enough units (1-2) within two years to cover my day to day expenses until I start drawing from my retirement accounts and portfolio in my mid 60s (20 years from now.)

BiggerPockets has been incredible, and I've been trying to get my friends in on that secret as well. 

I have thought about that, but the risk is incredibly minimal.  

At present, with my credit score and available cash, I qualify for a 300K loan, which doesn't buy anything in this area.

It was my first ever attempt at crowdfunding and the experience was pretty incredible.