If you decide to join, take their claims with a pinch of salt and conduct your own due diligence.My experience has not been positive so far, but I am hoping for improvements in the future.

You don't want to be in a pinch if you have vacancies and need to pay notes out of pocket.

Personally I don't keep much cash on hand for emergencies, but I do have a large untapped HELOC that I can use in a pinch.

@Evan Coopersmith penny-pinching is an easy way to crash.

If that makes home buying affordable without putting you in a pinch financially, go for it.

Yet, too many of those posting advice for you have no clue on the risks they are advising you to take.You're pinching pennies to save $8k with 3 kids. - What would happen if you lost it all?

The penny pinching and essentially slum lording of STR's at least in my experience is over. 

In a pinch you can check drafts with a lighter and see if the flame flickers. 

However, due to rising insurance and tax costs, I'm starting to feel the financial pinch as the tenant currently pays rent 60% below the market average.My long-term goal is to acquire more properties, and I've considered doing a cash-out refinance to access equity for reinvestment.

Yes, I self manage, but I do work with a local cleaner that helps when in a pinch, and either myself or my husband are up there about once a week.