Timothy Thornton Congrats Timothy,  I would be delighted to visit with you regarding out of state (great) investments.

if you really can do that :)Sounds like you are somewhat along though and would be delighted to have it all work outGood luck!

Cave and spend money.2.

After losing another month of rental income to the vacancy, you're under pressure to get the place rented ASAP, so you cave in on the cosigner thing and rent to them. 

Ugh, the pressures to cave into the typical middle class spending patterns are tough to avoid.

Also, there are thousands of people here that would be delighted to help you out with any questions you may have.

You can never remove all risk from these activities, my neighbor just two doors down recently had the whole roof cave in during a shingle replacement on a two family (it was condemned immediately) and it will be six months until repairs are complete. 

It depends on how close you are to the property; how many tenants you have; how "tough" you are when it comes to caving in when a tenant can't pay; etc.If you have the time and are fairly close by, why not do it yourself for a bit to learn the ropes? 

I've never really participated in any sort of forum before and am delighted with how engaging and welcoming you all are!

Roy mentioned the gear necessary, I'm aware from my Army training living in snow caves, so it should be fine. :)Guess I could see about highway access to obtain easements, LOL.And yes, to the Off topic thread with this venture.