My lease requires professional carpet cleaning, which would cost more than $500 for a home of that size.Yes, it's reasonable to reduce the cost because she was such a long-term tenant.

For more affordable properties—those priced under $400,000—the timeline is even shorter, with many homes receiving offers within two weeks of being listed.This fast-moving market poses a particular challenge for first-time buyers who may not be as familiar with the urgency required in competitive bidding situations.

Do you recommend it?

If you buy regular keyed locks (non-electronic) as Nathan Gesner recommended, then buy Schlage because they have a lifetime warranty on mechanical and finish. 

I’d recommend continuing to build equity in your home for the next year or two.

From my experience working with over 400 investors, I’d recommend starting with house hacking—ideally a fourplex if you find a good deal, but a duplex works too.

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I always recommend it as a good place to start.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would recommend trying all of it out of you are new and then zeroing in on 3-4 that you really like and start to get good at in your market.