[redpoint5]

The risks aren't equivalent. The odds of losing all rent money is 100%. The odds of losing less than 100% of mortgage payments high.

Doug can get a nice 5% VA mortgage. If it were me, I'd get the most house I could convince a lender to finance and rent out the extra rooms, paying all expenses using the rental income alone.

That method all but guarantees you will never lose the house if income is disrupted.

Your situation is different being married with children and all, but for someone with no legal dependents, it can be a quick path towards financial stability and then freedom.

Admittedly, being responsible for the upkeep of property is a huge burden, but then again I end up doing all my own maintenance anyhow because I want it done immediately and correctly. The only time I've requested maintenance was when the dryer at the apt was no longer drying clothes. I troubleshot the issue from the dryer first, and determined it must be exhaust blockage somewhere well beyond where I could see. Turns out they had an inappropriately sized bird screen that would collect tiny particles of lint.