12 years until my son goes off to college

[Raul Cesar cortes]

I am a married and a father of a six year old boy who loves to swim. I have not reached full financial Independence but live very comfortable in Fresno CA. Currently have 3 fourplexes that cash flow over $1500 each and low mortgage on my dream house. i have an accepted offer on 4019 e calwa fresno ca. the property is 3 separate 2bd houses with garages on 1 APN. The seller has no existing leases in place says is charging $500 a month but will furnish leases at closing, market rent is at least $840 a unit. My dilemma is whether to hold or flip to purchase a pool for my family. I am trying to find balance with happiness for family and financial independence. 

Blessed in Fresno  

[Jeff Zimmerman]

@Raul Cesar cortes adding a pool is great as the summer is so hot here, however, the rule of thumb with pools is that you take the cost of the pool and divide by two, the number you get is the amount of equity you add to your home. From an investment standpoint, you actually lose money.  Seems like you just need to ask yourself what your goals are.  Neither of these are the wrong answer, it just depends on what you want. 

As far as Flipping in Calwa, it's never going to be a great area but I've heard the tenants are pretty low maintenance overall as most of them are farm workers who don't want any trouble.  I know that property you are talking about,   You certainly have room to move up in rents, i think you could push $800/month on those homes if you put some money into them.  However, you can't plan on a lot of appreciation in that area, so make sure the cash flow is rather high.   I would also make sure to get new leases in place as part of your contract, otherwise it could be a challenge to collect rent later if you get into a he said she said situation.  At least get estoppels.  

hope that helps.  let me know if that doesn't make sense or if you'd like some clarification.