The following are some basic expenses that should be considered (or eliminated if the expense doesn't apply) when evaluating the cost of a buy and hold investment:Licensing FeesUtilities (common areas and vacant units)Association FeesLeasing CostsManagement FeesMaintenanceTaxesInsuranceCapital ExpensesYou also need to take a look at the vacancy rate.

Unfortunately, marketing is not really the top skill to be great at locating good properties, buying them properly, renovating them to at or above retail standards eliminating deferred maintenance and then acquiring quality, long-term residents and managing them properly.

The mid-range plan covers a lot and was right around $500.I negotiated to have it included for one of my buyer client, who has had two appliances replaced in the first year.I think it gives buyers confidence, eliminating one of the many obstacles for nervous buyers. 

That said, I think most people would be surprised at how close they can get if they eliminate monthly payments and increase their monthly cash flow.

Basically I eliminate all the issues of the old properties.

This problem is eliminated with my access to the "last market sale date" data.

This problem is eliminated with my access to the "last market sale date" data.

If he did the purchase contract that eliminates that possibility but hopefully he did not restrict that. 

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

I was hoping to find a group or someone willing to teach me about this market as I work a full time job as a delivery driver around town, as I see a lot of vacant homes in the areas I deliver to and would love to start walking away from the corporate money to making my own for my family to spend more time with my son(8yo) and reduce or eliminate the amount my wife works..