I can estimate most of the cost, taxes, insurance, utilities, PM fees, and such and I know that should be provided in the expenses but when it comes to the actual maintenance of the property, what strategy do you normally use?

FREDDIE MAC SMALL BALANCE LOAN (SBL)Loan Purpose: Permanent Financing (Refi & Acquisition) Loan Proceeds: $1,000,000 - $7,500,000Loan Sizing: 80% LTV; 1.20x DCR (Top Market)Loan Sizing: 80% LTV; 1.25x DCR (Standard Market)Loan Sizing: 70-75% LTV; 1.30x DCR (Small Market)Loan Sizing: 70-75% LTV; 1.40x DCR (Very Small Market) Amortization: 30 YearsLoan Term: 5-10 Year Term (Fixed), 10 or 20 Years (Hybrid ARM)IO Term: Partial Term IO (80% LTV; 1.20x DCR); Full Term IO (65% LTV; 1.35x DCR) (Top Market) IO Term: Partial Term IO (80% LTV; 1.25x DCR); Full Term IO (65% LTV; 1.40x DCR) (Standard Market) IO Term: Partial Term IO (70-75% LTV; 1.30x DCR); Full Term IO (60% LTV; 1.45x DCR) (Small MArket)IO Term: Partial Term IO (70-75% LTV; 1.40x DCR); Full Term IO (60% LTV; 1.55x DCR) (Very Small Market) Rate Types: Fixed & Hybrid ARMRate Lock: Rate Lock @ ApplicationNon-Recourse: Non-Recourse w/ “Bad Boy” CarveoutsPrepayment: Standard - Greater of YM or 1.00%Flexible Prepay: Flexible Options – Stepdown & Extended Open/Par Periods Rate Buydowns: Yes – Rate Buydowns Available Up to 2.00%Assumable: Yes – Assumable LoanCash Out Refi: Yes – Cash Out Refi OK FANNIE MAE SMALL LOANLoan Purpose: Permanent Financing (Refi & Acquisition) Loan Proceeds: $1,000,000 - $9,000,000Loan Sizing: 75-80% LTV; 1.25x DCRAmortization: 30 YearsLoan Term: 5-30 Year TermIO Term (PTIO): Partial Term IO @ 80% LTV; 1.25x DCR IO Term (FTIO): Full Term IO @ 65% LTV; 1.35x DCR Rate Type: Fixed RateRate Lock: Rate Lock @ Loan CommitmentRate Structure: Treasury Yield + SpreadNon-Recourse: Non-Recourse w/ “Bad Boy” CarveoutsPrepayment: Yield Maintenance; 3 Mos @ 1.00%; 3 Mos @ ParFlexible Prepay: Flexible Prepayment Options Available Escrows: Taxes, Insurance, Replacement ReservesRate Buydowns: Yes - Rate Buydowns Available Up to (1.25%-2.00%)Assumable: Yes – Assumable Loan Cash Out Refi: Yes – Cash Out Refi OK

They tend to be lower maintenance, and the steady cash flow can be a great way to start building your portfolio.That said, vacation properties can be lucrative too, especially in high-demand beach areas.

There are some solid advantages here: new construction typically means lower maintenance costs upfront, modern amenities that attract quality tenants, and potentially higher rental income.

This mismanagement greatly increased our maintenance costs and delayed efforts to improve the property's condition.Evictions & Vacancy: Due to these missteps, we spent months working through the courts to evict problematic tenants.

Are there any management companies you would recommended or general maintenance?  

They may be money in the pocket, getting out of maintenance headaches, no more chasing rent, etc.

She's kind of a high maintenance person to begin with.

Hi Brian,You're on the right track, but to determine if you're truly generating cash flow, it's important to look beyond just your mortgage payment.Here's what to consider:Income: You're receiving $2,100 in rent, which is great.Expenses: Besides your $3,232 mortgage, you likely have other expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities (if you cover any), and potential vacancy costs.If your total rental income exceeds all of these combined costs, then you're generating positive cash flow.

This is before accounting for things like repairs & maintenance, etc.So just be sure you fully think through the cost side of investing out of town / out of state.