And last, and more important, it takes time to compound earnings and grow them exponentially.

Hey @Brett Bickett - way to start thinking about this stuff early - Real Estate is all about consistant action and compounding interest, and the earlier you start the more time your investments have to compound. 

Don't underestimate the power of compounding interest - it applies to your actions too!

The one true advantage youth has over old age is the power of compound interest.

Keith, not that Bill G really needs my support, but in his defense, your initial question does read like you are trying to pull a fast one on the bank.  

My one tenant even has a few busted up areas on the plaster wall that looks like someone punched it that needs filled in with joint compound and painted and the passed me with flying colors this was two weeks ago 

MAKE all your tenants get renters insurance and provide you proof as a 1st line of defense.

That is compounded when you start having CAP Ex expenses down the road which is why you can't get an accurate measure of return until you've owned them for 5 years or so.

Even within the stock market, there were defensive stocks in which to hide. 

How much money you invest, what rate it's compounding at and how long it's growing.