My TSM Index fund in taxable is what I would use in a pinch if my W2 income, checking account balances or credit cards wouldn't cover an unexpected expense. 

Less leverage and more equity gives you more options for escape in a pinch and improves the likelihood of profit.

At this point, it's worth taking pennies on the dollar so I can close a self-directed IRA.Take all their updates with the all mighty pinch of salt and as an e-mail campaign to raise money for the lawyers they have hired.

They work in a pinch, but they create more work and leave you exposed on compliance and record-keeping.

@Nick Wu appreciate your concept and wish MORE owners embraced it instead of penny-pinching their PMCs.

If you go into it looking for a property you can get out of quickly in a pinch the property you purchase will be solid. 

But I think there are also a ton of landlords who die with a 20-million-dollar real estate portfolio, until the last day trying to pay off the last $41,321 loan, pinch every penny, wear worn out shoes and have never been anywere - IMO they have forgotten why they got into RE in the first place!

The best they can do is keep a short list of local housekeepers and handymen and call them in a pinch.  

That is all I am using it for and I am trying to penny pinch.

And to the seasoned landlord: stop pinching pennies to pay down your last 30% LTV.