Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

If it's a long-term play, the potential savings on PMI with a conventional loan could be significant.Have you compared rates for both options?

Selling and exploring a 1031 exchange could make sense if you can find a deal with stronger cash flow or faster equity growth, but the key is comparing your current return to what your skill and experience could generate in another investment.Here to help,Jorge

A tidy, well-organized space can help the appraiser focus on the home's features rather than distractions.Research Comparable Properties: Have a list of comparable properties (comps) that have sold recently in your area.

To the professionals it seems like nonsense because a loan is straightforward.

Appreciation kind of lags compared to other places further east in northern Alabama.

Obviously I want to keep my costs low but still want to spring for amenities that would give me a competitive edge compared to other rentals.

You can leverage the first deal you bought and your experience so far, which is a lot compared to someone starting.

Love the wise and the straightforward approach! 

I was comparing large cities to other large cities.