I joined this community because I want to get my hands dirty and not just meet people online but form some real connections and try to provide value back to those that are willing to offer me advise and guidance, and even encouragement.So, this is my current situation:Back in 2020 I was one of the fortunate ones who purchased real estate when prices were still low (compared to today) and interest rates where at 3% or below.

@Robert Spiegel Great question, and it’s always a balancing act when dealing with long-term tenants who’ve been fantastic overall.Based on my experience managing over 1,200 rental homes in North Texas, including areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and Frisco, here’s how I would approach this:Cleaning Charge: While $540 may feel steep, it can vary depending on the size of the property and local market rates.

So I have my house that refinanced in 2020 for a 15yr 2.5% rate and we have about 56k equity.

Tenant covenants and agrees to pay interest at the maximum lawful rate or eighteen percent (18%) interest, whichever is less, compounded annually, on all unpaid Rent, damages, and other amounts owed by Tenant, excluding late fees, from that date of Landlord’s final accounting until such time Tenant pays all such outstanding amounts.

Their rates are good but boy, they looked at my financials and ask some funny questions such as asking for proof that I could withdraw funds from my SEP IRA account, and that I need to provide documentation to verify that  this employer sponsored retirement account allows for funds to be withdrawn, or if withdrawals could only be made in connection with the borrowers employment termination, retirement or death etc. everyday they sent me something new to answer.

Even though there is low inventory, interest rates are high, and many properties don't cash flow, look harder there are always deals, you just need to find/make them.

They lowered the “taxable value” by 40-50% and then raised the tax rate about 35-45% lowering everyone’s taxes that year.

Death Rate: The death rate has been gradually increasing.

Due to the current interest rates, you probably can't live for free, but you can definitely learn how to house hack in that first year, reduced your personal housing costs, learn the rent by room/co-living strategy on-site, and then probably break-even after move out, but most importantly, it is possible to make that work in 2025 with today's rates.It just takes being open-minded and willing to be flexible for the 1st year.  

Here's a bit more in detail about how rates are calculated for DSCR loans:1.