A “retainer” has never ever come into play.

I am currently a pro athlete playing hockey overseas and am trying to put a lot of what I make over here into real estate investing.

Just play around with the numbers to make sure that the deal works for everyone.

Your bigger play is in growing your side business and growing your rental portfolio, so I'd focus on those two things.As far as market selection, that's a key piece to your success when it comes to buying rentals.

And, once a property gets into Lis Pendens, securing title insurance is impossible since the title is "in play." 

With that much capital at hand I'd play your cards, utilize local knowledge, and find that DEAL. 

ALEX - I have been wanting to get my feet wet with a BRRRR so this might be the play. 

Giving the current uncertainty of economic situation, should I wait a few months and see what plays out?

It was a well priced asset in a good area that offered a large value add play through operational efficiencies, thus minimizing the risk that's associated with physical value adds.

Without this the rest of you liability tiers may be voided.2 - Umbrella policy - pretty much another no brainer - its cheap protection. 3 - manage debt loads - if you are comfortable keeping a higher debt limit, it is a strategy to reduce your net worth and make that target smaller. this comes into play when considering tapping equity in existing properties.these 3 should get you started. but its all up to your own risk tolerance.