To spend enough to cover the sale price on what would probably be 3 properties if I bought smaller, as I like to buy distressed units, finding 3 deals within the allotted 45 days woukd be a challenge IMO.

I was also a full time student for the spring semester in addition to my job so that may assist in additional deductions but those expenses were fully covered by my post 911 GI bill.Do you happen to know if I can further deduct the rest of my dependent care?

The VA loan covers a $450k purchase (given that you qualify...I will) with no downpayment. 

I would get a bleach solution and wash the vents as far as I could reach, plus wash the vent covers and surrounding wood.

triplex, I might make the vacancy higher than 4%:  92$ x 12 = 1104 (covers about 2 months of cash flow).  

This may sound harsh: If you don't have time to learn how to estimate rehabs, do you have the time and money to cover expensive mistakes?

Do you write this into your lease, or do you cover this for them.

My short term goal is to own a couple rentals with enough cash flow to cover my bills.

The rent from my first home will more than cover the new place, even saving from current monthly mortgage payment.   

I'm thinking she would want to cover her mortgage which is around $110 a month.