Since then we've had the good (and unplanned) fortune of rents growing quickly, upon closing our rents are 21% under market.

In your case though, you're fortunate because Kansas City is a strong investment markets if cash flow is your primary objective.

I am fortunate (yet not really that fortunate to be when I think about it) because coincidentally I am a disabled vet so I am exempt from the fee...it saves me even more money.

Some states make a fortune off of the premium bidding.

Our hopes are to help people who are less fortunate than us, raise the total wealth of the community, and attract interest ensuring the properties are rented out full time.My question to you all is, are security deposits worth it if you have vetted the tenants properly?

However, I do think if you are serious about doing real estate investing as a profession and want to shorten the learning curve then Fortune Builders is a coaching program you should look into.  

It was new construction, and rented at a positive cash flow before it was completed, for the entire four years, to the same family, who did take good care of it.I had a good agent, I had talked to lots of people, had good community information, and was fortunate enough to be hooked up with an honorable property management company (no longer in business)Maybe I was lucky.

You will be quite fortunate to have only two months of vacancy in twenty years.

Fortunately, I had some savings to carry me through and insurance covered about half of the sewer replacement.

Also, I'm fortunate to have a son interested in REI and he helps.