It may be harsh, but it's likely a true statement.It's okay to put your real estate dreams on hold while you build up a savings account.

I have talk to 5 owners via email and all 5 have told me with a good management weather it be your self or a company and a good system1 unit at a low generates $32,000 a year passive income thank you for your post and would like to talk more thanks Derrick O

One was good but he bailed as I was waiting in the lobby - he looked at the building and texted me that it wouldn't work (harsh!). 

Look up your state laws and see how harsh they are, then make the decision, but I found a company that did the home inspection and XRF test together for a nice discount.  

Unfortunately, my walkthroughs were postponed until Sunday do to in climate weather and scheduling conflicts.  

I've talked to builders and investors that know people that were over-leveraged and lost it all with the housing downturn.IMO all in all though I think either way can work great it just depends on what your goals are and I think it's important not to get over leverage to the point you don't have the cash flow to weather the rough times, assume rough times will come and you might have a year or 2 at really high vacancy rates.Some of my main goals are to have great cash flow per unit, less management per cash flow and have more security by not having high debt responsibilities.I know one thing, by the time I am ready to retire and kick back and sail with my portfolio I want it to be all paid for or be able to scale back and pay off properties until I get to that point.

this may sound harsh but the realtor needs to brush up on their loan origination knowledge. 

Regardless of weather impact/time of the year. 

It isn't for everyone, but you would be surprised how many New York, New Jersey, and other northeastern residents are looking at Florida for weather, for low tax, and recreation.

My personal preference is a mix of free & clear and leveraged, with good tenants in every property, and a healthy cash reserve to weather any storm.