I took out a $25k mortgage and sold 2 cars to get started.  7 figures of business later its definitely paid off.Regardless of who it has and has not worked for, this is a very personal decision with no wrong answer.Is your desire to create a life you want greater than your fear of losing that money and more? 

This translates into $204K over the life, in addition to the small down payment.  

I have a back ground in construction but seek anew venture with the belief that this is where my life has directed me to be.

Yes, as far as a PM, you are pretty safe figuring 10%, but a few phone calls to different ones in the area will give you that answer. and Jeff Beard brought up a good point as well, you will have to figure in the taxes and comp insurance for your employee.

I've been getting some quotes for insurance and the premiums are very high.Quote 1 - Vacant Dwelling Policy from Evanston Insurance Company. $1200 for 3 month term                $160K Property Value (incl. improvements), $300K LimitQuote 2 - Builders Renovation Policy from Lloyd's of London. $917 for 3 month term                $80K - Property, $300K Liability, $1K deductibleBoth seem very high and I can't even use quote 2 because I am not using a licensed GC.

Then add ALL costs related to holding the property (utility costs, insurance premiums, property taxes, loan payments, etc.).Concessions: Concessions are what you give back to the buyer at closing.

Anna,When repairs or improvements are made to rental property which is not actually rented or advertised for rent, the improvements are capitalized over the appropriate life of the assets.  

So this is the path I've chosen to follow up to and including being part of my retirement.I believe that networking and gathering real life experience from doing work myself along with following other's guidance (who have been there/done that) will garner me more knowledge and success than paying "gurus" thousand of dollars for bus trips through a city and region I already know well.I am still formulating a 5 year plan (yes, they are passe now a days but I'm old school) and I feel the first steps would be to connect with other REI's, join the local REI Groups and begin growing my network.Any guidance, advice and suggestions from this point forward will be greatly appreciated!

The ones that go the farthest in life think totally differently about money.  

What insurance should i take 3.