The best indicator of a solid market is if inventory levels are symmetrical to price increases.

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 am working with Tee Gibb and actually had an offer accepted yesterday.  

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.