With respect to paying $44k off on your HELOC, I personally think that is totally fine and a great start. 

I was getting ready for a second round and a family emergency came up.

Having a reliable local team, including a property manager and a realtor familiar with the market, is the best way to avoid high-crime areas.If you’re leaning towards Richmond or have more questions about the market here, feel free to reach out.

Needless to say a lot has happened since I closed my 16 unit a year and a half ago.

We don’t want to find ourselves as a Jack of all trades and a master of none.

No guaranteed way to stop a determined, experienced thief:(Only deterrents that push them to easier jobs.The roof may be a good idea - until they figure out the just need a ladder to get up there and a rope to lower it down. 

This will cost money to maintain, cost money to manage leasers, subject you to the will of tenants/leasers should they damage something, should someone get injured, your money will be gone (for now), subject you to the will of the market, interest rates, potential market volatilities.. you will need a lawyer at that amount for sure and a good CPA. 

With Amanda Frecks as a partner and a clear plan for strategic improvements, it was the perfect fit for a quick flip and profit.

Part of that reassurance comes from bringing some experience to the table and a proven track record of investing successfully.

i don't recommend buying a random property in a random midwest state for $118K that looks great but actually needs a new furnace, a new roof and a new sewer line, and will crush you with capex and make you sad.hope that helps.