The reason you've been taught that "debt is bad" is because when things go wrong, the lender has recourse that leaves you in a bad situation.What's considered "good debt" is leverage that's used to amplify your capital to buy bigger deals without adding high levels of risk.

Since you mentioned the floor being level, I don't believe it is.  

I know the book focuses on a higher level but I do wonder why it's so hard to implement things that we learn. 

It would be smarter for me to own rather than rent and get in a multifamily property with the goal offsetting my living expenses and then moving into a higher level of rental property investing.  

Your question actually cannot be answered without knowing  your skill level.

Local police departments are another good source of crime data if you're at that search level. 

There was no structural engineer assessment, but their bid/estimate process was thorough & articulate: measuring the slope of each corner of the house from the center point on the main level, explaining Pin-piles vs.

I would say that if it provides an acceptable level of cash flow and you don't need the capital, I would say hold on to it.

Also what is likely to make you the most money is something you enjoy and uses your unique talents and skills to the best level. 

The Note is the legal document that contains the actual terms of the loan, it has all the details of the amount borrowed, the interest rate, how often you make payments, late fees, etc.There are three levels of assurances with loans.Just a verbal agreementa formal written promissory noteA recorded mortgage with a promissory noteMy guess is when someone said put the lenders on the deed, they may have meant a deed of trust.