that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

In neighborhoods that won't attract high credit score tenants, I've found that a stable job history with a MINIMUM of 1 year at current or previous job to be the best indicator of a great tenant. 

Even if you make all of your payments on time there are times when something happens by accident or a collection pops-up and drops the credit scores. 

The refinance step is where you pull out this equity, typically in the form of a cash-out refinance.Here’s how it works:You refinance the property at its new appraised value (after rehab and renting).You take out a new loan based on that increased value, ideally for the full amount or more than what you originally paid for the property.The goal is to pull out enough money to cover the cost of the original purchase and rehab (or even more, depending on the property’s appreciation).This allows you to recover your initial investment, which can then be used to buy your next property.5.

@Peter Tverdov it depends on going wages in your marketplace.I would imagine labor costs are much higher in NJ than in MI.

And depending how it goes down, maybe I counter there counter just for the fun of the sport, all depends.

If I do move in the next few years because of the military, I will decide if I want to sell for the appreciation depending on the market. 

Hi Saul, it depends on what you're looking for - cash flow or appreciation?

They claim these are B markets and I saw someone in Reddit mention Lubbock Texas which has mixed neighborhood scores.