For a primary residence purchase however, there are a lot more options including 3% down conventional programs and even 100% LTV FHA where the same lender gives you a loan for the 3.5% down payment.

One rule helped here (I simplify a lot): you should always count how much money will be left in your pocket after all expenses (including mortgage payments, taxes, fees, utilities, as well as the reserve fund for the current repairs of the property).

Part of this includes; Reference above, eat “beans and rice”, make your meals (healthier anyway) learn to not worry about what other think, even your friends when you don’t go out all the time.SACRIFICE for your goal.

I would run an AIRDNA report 

I'd include it in the rental and charge an extra few $ a night.Guest experience is ultimately the only difference between your product and the next one, so why not provide what others don't?

In Venice, my old rental just came on the market..It was previously $4500/month and asking $6500. lol Coastal California in particular (or anywhere on the Pacific Ocean - including Mexico) has become increasingly unattainable for most investors or retirees.

- Management fee percentage and what that typically includes (my company seems to charge a cleaning fee separate from their management fee, which I hadn't realized)- Additional monthly expenses (my company charged $200+ for a fire extinguisher inspection?)

FHA inspection, in my experience, will primarily look at safety oriented things, including chipping paint, exposed woods, hand railings, properly fitted windows, etc. 

We self manage our condos and live over 10 hours away, so putting together this off-market deal to include the furniture, furnishings, a tenant, and a current listing, made it possible to go live without needing to travel.

This also includes running credit, getting an appraisal etc.