There are 7 tests to determine if you materially participate (only need to meet one) the most commonly used tests are:1.

.- Issues with cleanliness and respecting common areas.- Requests for repairs at inconvenient times.- Navigating tricky landlord-tenant relationships when you live on the same property.While some people thrive in this environment, others find it difficult to balance personal space with their role as a landlord.### 3.

It is such a common practice for these management software companies to charge these fees, so I assume it is not an issue, especially since they are a third party and the fees cover more than just the credit checks.Any insight is helpful!

@Grant Shipman, I will say, I have not explicitly seen anyone violate these rules (that I know of), but more commonly there are a lot of people who have comfort operating at the margins.I.e. compliance officers/attorneys that stop at the letter of the law may say: "investment manager X, you can advertise your company all you want.  

if they are pressuring you like this.PLEASE watch the American Greed Episode on Remmington Financial  .not saying these guys wont or don't fund of course.. but when I do my deals with my banks its common that I pay for the phase one and the appraiser directly..  

As a result, price gouging has become a common issue.

If you're in the LA area, it's definitely very common.

Most common scenario I see is "should I sell?"

As for funding your first property, here are a few common strategies to consider:1.

Minimal changes to effect common entrances, no major shifts in load bearing, easy plumbing changes for wherever the new kitchen would be... it's a lot of boxes to check.