Not interested in a no-money-down strategy as I am looking to REPLACE my income as fast as possible so I'm willing to put a little skin in the game.  

What you need to do to fix this is a surface drain around the section of the building that lower than the house and divert it away.

I mean you don't see Me with Oregon and Ca properties running adds in Cleveland for you folks to come buy my properties. but you see all sorts of these companies that advertise their properties out in the areas were the residences are much more investor centric than were you live.. but this started in 2000 or so I started funding out of state folks in 2002 and been doing it ever since.. however its tightening its finally got to the point were the recycle like you talk about has really calmed down.. as a whole the buyers are smarter and PM s do a better job.. and the investors have skin in the game so they did not walk from rentals like they did in 08 to 2010..  

If you demonstrate that you are willing to take risk with your own skin in the game (HELOC), they are more likely to loan money to you, and at a lower interest rate than someone who has no experience. 

Take the cost of it from her security deposit.If it wasn't in the lease and you're footing the bill, then wipe down all the surfaces including the ceiling with vinegar or ammonia mixed with hot water.

As someone who is just learning and does not have skin in the game yet, I would like to volunteer, and provide any help in organizing a meetup if you guys are interested.

Recently looked at an off market deal that had surface mold on the banisters.

I’m looking for some strategic advice but I don’t know anyone locally that thinks like the people on this board.I have four houses, three rentals plus primary. 3/2 1050sq’ owe $75k worth $240k rent is $1025 improved rent would be $1200 3/2.5 1090sq’ owe $80k worth $270k rent is $1025 improved rent would be $1450 3/2.5 2400sq’ owe $190k worth $455k rent is $1950 5/3 3500sq’ owe $160 worth $550k primaryI live in the west and values are sliding so numbers are guesses but I tend to be conservative.If I had to guess our 'real skin' in all this is probably about $25k.

If your doing a cash purchase then on the surface it does not seem to small.

20% 0% super risky for a bank to put all the skin in the game and you have none.