Do you know of any decent sofas with zippered cushion covers that can be removed to wash?

MikeI would definitely go with changing out the stuffing of the cushions, Mike.It's best to have a response to every single last review on file.

There will be mishaps along the way and much of the advice directed to younger investors is they have more time and less capital to cushion those mishaps and unforeseen expenses. 

You'll need more cushion between your income and debt payments to account for everything else - taxes, insurance, food, living expenses, etc...

.✅ Ensure your mortgage allows renting—some loans have restrictions.If your financial cushion can handle these factors, you’re in a great position to rent out your home successfully!

and - if 35K is everything you've got - savings, emergency fund, money for real estate... that is not a huge cushion. 

You want to buy real estate with no savings, which even if you can scrape together a 10-20% down payment, means you will have no cushion to fall back on when the inevitable surprise expense happens. 

I think that's why most argue against doing it unless you are an experienced investor and have cushion.

I'd recommend an investor be liquid 75k - 100k to make sure they can get this done and have a cushion, cause as we know you always need a cushion.

With $15k from your business and your living costs covered, this could be the cushion you need as a new dad.What do you think—stick with the duplex plan and flip later, or maybe explore a low-stress investment with us?