I find that in SFH rentals, the tenants take better care of the unit and ultimately stay longer.

Please be careful who you work with, do thorough background check, use third party to check work and never pay full amount till rehab is completed and inspected.

Went through a couple realtors before finding the one, and a few lenders wouldn't lend to me because I am out of State and they all said out of State has the highest default on loans rate, but I kept trying and looking and found a great guy who took care of me as well as recommended me to my property manager who put a tenant in place within a month of ownership and keep in touch with me on a weekly basis.

I am a pretty active landlord and probably have higher expenses than some landlords as it has been my policy to take care of my properties to get good tenants. 

With a pool you should always have it completely fenced off to prevent a neighborhood kid from drowning.I would not assume that the bank whom owns it or the town will care about the broken fence and replace it.

You have to be careful with rentometer, it is only concerned with bedroom and bath count. 

I will be paying around $400 month total for living costs (minus food & care), and $350 a month for daycare (YIKES).

The market is tough as everyone and their dog is "into" real estate. 

I'm looking to get started in REI and I think a good place to start would to become a bird dog.

Also AS @Edward B. stated completely bad Karma to kick someone out of their home that rescued it the morning before the sale I don't care if it was 5 minutes they got the dough there.watch the movie 99 homes to see the other side of this heart wrenching things owners went through.for these reasons we rarely anymore buy homes that are occupied.. if its abandoned then its a different story.think about your mother or father being booted out.. or someone you love.. then make your decision.