So I'm saving $100 a month, luckily it's a duplex though so I'm saving much more than that.All of that just to fancy up what Steven said:Originally posted by Steven Hamilton II:As long as it costs me less than it would have to live elsewhere.

I recommend you explore areas within 30 min drive from your locale and explore if you can make positive csh-flow purchases in your area.Use redfin.com and homeseekers.com to see what is available in the desirable zipcodes.Analysis are simple: rule of the thumb is at GRM (Gross Rent Multiplier) this is a fancy term for a just a quick simplistic evaluation were property price is divided by gross yearly rent.Usually, 6-7 will produce positive cash-flow, 8-9 break-even, 10 or more is negative cash flow.There are other calculations, but this one is quick and dirty.I can tell you that you will find out that property located in not s good areas (mine are in South LA) will be more profitable, but you have to explore your market ..

It's dressed like a mortgage.

If you skillfully dress them up with stone, brick, wood work etc, they can become a unique and stunning focal point that makes your house stand out from all the other houses that potential buyers are looking at.On the other hand, I think fireplaces increase liability if the property will be a rental unless you totally seal them off as others have stated.

Then you hang up quickly.If you want to can reject a applicant because you did not like the way they dressed or because they have bad breath.

@Deborah Cavallaro Yes, that includes everything you have mentioned, except appliances, contractors don't normally dress up the house for you, it also has limitations, usually tiles, flooring, etc.

If you don't have these pieces of information, no fancy real estate deal analysis software being peddled by the real estate money gurus will help you.On the other hand, if you have all that verified financial and house payment information from the seller, you can do all the real estate deal analysis you need on a paper napkin and be successful.What's the moral of this story?

If you decide to get fancy and make a business entity (meaning it wont be on E or C), there's a good chance you will be resetting your "2 years of self employment" to zero.

I refied the same situation earlier this year (but with a kitchen in both houses) and the ADU was basically counted as a fancy shed.

I showed up nicely and reasonably dressed with a clean truck and business card available to show that I was a serious potential "tenant."