Everything is way too expensive here and it's not my favorite town, but I have to live (and rent) here for the next 8 years. 

Be friendly (kind-considerate-respectful), firm (be clear about your expectations and have the moxie to address issues as they arise), fair (comply with the law, no favoritism, appropriate response to the situation) , fast (quick to respond to maintenance requests and other tenant concerns), and flexible (when the situation warrants).

A few of may favorite books so far have been.- Set for life by @Scott Trench.

Save for 7-8 months and get my 20% down of 10k on it and go to a bank which isn't my favorite option or maybe since I was reading on here that life insurance company's have a very low interest rate and like to invest in multi family buildings that would be another good option.

I've been doing build to rent off and on (when I can find great deals on lots) since 2010 and it's my favorite strategy.

Can be a cashflow killer.Tired landlords that offer seller financing is another of my favorites.  

I'm Andrew Geib, currently I'm working as a lean six sigma engineer based in the Aurora/Naperville area. 1) Favorite real estate book: just picked up Rich Dad Poor Dad for the first time2) Favorite non-real estate book: Freakonomics3) Advice for new investors: seeing as I am a new to real estate, get started now rather than later. 4) Hobbies: cars, I autocross my daily driver whenever I can, I'm resorting a classic mustang, and I frequently go to car shows all across Chicagoland. 

Do any of you all have a favorite provider?

@Bruce MacSome of my favorite markets are those with job and population growth mixed with affordability and city revitalization.

It went so well we are doing it again this week, but it got me wondering, what are your favorite and most profitable ways to fix up a property WITHOUT using carpet and paint rehab fix ups.