Because Architects, excepting Howard Roark, know nothing about local building costs and practices.

You told us via this thread that this time with your RE investment project, you are in it for the "marathon" and not for the "sprint", and i see, you live in Howard Co., is there any reason why not to look for houses there?

Clark Howard's Credit Freeze Guide

Clark Howard recommends CreditKarma.com (they're free and give a TransUnion score)...and I've had a good experience with them...And because AnnualCreditReport.com will give you your report for free (no score) for each agency once per year, every 4 months I'll pull my credit from a different agency and it's always free.

Each county may be different, but at least in Howard County (since you and I are both in Maryland) has adopted the 2011 NEC, with a few minor exceptions. 2011 NEC says: "All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit."

We live in Howard County for about 20 years( Dayton, Md) We live in South Carolina now but may move back in a couple of years.

@Ryan Howard what will you tell your investors?

@Daniel Howard From a property managers point of view I would just say be prepared for what you are getting into.

@Ronnie Howard    This is a huge pet peeve of mine.

@Christopher Howard  I live in MA and invest in RI.