This isn't the fast, get rich quick route to take, but if you plan on being in this business for the long haul then this is how I feel you should work it. 

@Nick Adams @Andy XuGentlemen,I had toyed with the notion of going to multi family from the beginning but ended up the family modular home park business BUT I did have a lot of success finding contractors.

@Wes BlackwellThere are other reasons for getting out of California, but I have looked at some houses, toying with the idea of buying here.

I wanted to write this review because of the great work Jose did in installing our boiler at a fast(one day) reasonable rate($2600 for boiler, delivery, install, and haul away).Our 30 year old Utica steam boiler finally went last week, and I was searching Angie's list and craigslist for someone to replace it.I stumbled on Jose, who was offering a 5 year old Clean Burnham 175kBTU gas fired Steam Boiler for $1250.

Or a more-normal market that attracts all types of jobs for all kinds of households that plan to settle down for the long haul?

For example for tack carpet removal and haul away you might pay $1.50/SY whereas glued hardwood might cost $25/SY.  

I started on my first "test run" and quickly realized I', clueless as to insurance costs, or even trash pick up (Republic doesn't  seem to have street pick-up rates listed on their sight).However, unless your pro you only get 5 turns on the "toys", so maybe practice with this one www.biggerpockets.com/tools/REIPropertyAnalyzer.xls-- then you can also figure % for maintenance and/or capex (older house, higher%, new home...)Have fun!

Hauling and disposal of the contaminated soil.Oil can leak from the corroded tanks, from valves and fittings, and from the oil delivery line.

I tell potential tenants we are having an open house on x date from x to y time.

LOLthis of course is the risk of being an agent... and its a main reason for agent wash out... spend a year hauling someone around and they go buy a FSBO.... it simply goes with the territory.most experienced agents MY Wife included.. we don't haul people around and have not for 20 years.you give them the address let them do a drive by .. and then set up a showing if they want to see them...