But 3 years seems excessiveRegarding an unknown health expense, that's exactly what a heloc or line of credit would be great for if it was above a 6 month living expenses amount

You can't "know" until you have a solid understanding of how the numbers work (surface) and how the potentially unforeseen/unknown factors (subsurface) impact those numbers.

Biker buddies would actually be the best solution for this, unknown to you of course:).

As long as there is no large unknowns/risks (renovation done right, no title issues, not built on ancient burial site) I would call it a win. 

One book I want to throw out that hasn't been mentioned is Ayn Rand's Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. 

They would need cash to carry the deal and there would be risk of the unknown.

I just decided that Landlording is a necessity to learn.Later on, I found out it's a lot easier when I acquired the right contractors I can call and fix the problems.They also constantly ignored my advice to invest WITH me, despite my knowledge and experience.Their fear of the unknown holds them back.

The severity and impact of the virus is unknown, I'm hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. 

Thats the unknown.

***There are a lot of unknowns and no one can say they know what's coming.