Hey Brian,Thanks for the encouragement and advice!

.: Quote from @Dominic Rosato: I work in leasing/property management in NJ, and we encourage most of our landlords to require these two main criteria:1) Household annual income > 40x the monthly rent2) Credit score above 680In addition, we screen their credit report to verify there are no red flags (rental collections, high CC balances, etc.), as well as previous two months of bank statements / investment accounts, whichever they'd like to provide (can they pay rent if they lost their job?).

Kim TonettiOpening Doors to Life's Most Meaningful Dreams!

Offering current tenants a better rate for a year is a thoughtful approach that may encourage them to stay while still allowing you to increase your overall revenue.

@Ariel GonzalezHey don’t despair.It’s a tough market out there.In most cases, seller pricing expectations are still out of line with the current cost of debt.I’m proud of you that you just didn’t buy something to buy something - that takes discipline.It’s important that your first deal is a success or at least not a train wreck.I’d encourage to start small finding a 6 to 10 unit building and buy that with a few friends.

But I would encourage to you network with other real estate investors in your local market and find out how THEY do it successfully. 

Unfortunately, his sons haven't shown an interest in valuing his business and legacy, so he takes great pride in supporting a young person who shares his dedication to building something meaningful in the field he's devoted his life to.

I’d encourage you to just call it a “lose the battle, win the war” situation.

one would almost suspect intentionally so, to encourage business, lol.   

So would you want to be in a market that will encourage home ownership of renters, or in a market where it will be tough for people to buy for the next 10 years or so or maybe forever?