You could look into enforcing late fees if your lease allows it or even start the eviction process to show you're serious.

I know it's "all negotiable," what everyone says, but I also hear that most of the time it's standard 6% (3+3 paid by seller).Generally interested in how that ruling may be starting to affect attitudes on the ground or actual commissions in deals.

I was more focused on building the portfolio, and it paid off, as I scaled to 50+ rental units in 5 years.I started my own PM when I moved to a different market because I wasn't confident I could find one as good as my previous manager.

@Ben Syzek,Congrats at the decision to start learning about REI. 

Focus on areas with strong rental demand, like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, or near universities like Butler and IUPUI.Maintenance Costs: Indiana weather can be tough on properties, so budget for seasonal maintenance like snow removal and HVAC servicing.Additional AdviceKeep an Emergency Fund: Unexpected repairs or vacancies can arise, so having 3-6 months of expenses saved will help you weather any surprises.Build a Reliable Team: I have lists of contractors, handymen, cleaners and property managers if you'd like me to send.Good luck with your property and future expansion!

The next 2 offers started a bidding war I got over asking with inspection for information only . 

My question is, do I just not touch the first property, use the cash flow to reinvest and pay down the mortgage or save up for a downpayment down the road OR do I pull cash out of the first property to buy the next property?

I'm a local youth pastor in MN and I'm looking into getting started in real estate so that I can provide extra income for my growing family.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

If you have an orbital sander, that should, I would start there.