On the other hand, you can' t let fear rule your life.

My wife and I are looking to step into the life changing life style of buying our first rental house.

Specifically, property that has a useful life of more than one year does not qualify.

Sacrifice something in your life and leverage (safely) with these low interest rates.

My ultimate goal is to be financially free when I’m 30 and be able to give my family the best life possible.

He grew up in the business (his dad was a local contractor, as well) and has done it pretty much his whole life.  

We found out through a previous inspection report ( two years back) on the house we are interested in, that the roof/HVAC (heater/cooling unit/condenser etc) are all nearing the end of their service life.

Then, the meeting starts and after squirming in your chair for 1 or 2 hours you would have been much better off staying home, relaxing and reading a book, or organizing your life.

All in all, I recommend being creative and getting in now rather than later, your interests might shift or you might have a significant event in your life that inhibits your ability to invest in real estate. 

These are usually at the end of their life and require replacement (make sure to have someone send a camera to see the health of the underground sections)     3.)