We do semi-annual inspections & check to see if the filters are actually being changed. 

When you transfer retirement funds into a self directed account you can certainly buy real estate with it. 

Increasing your rent annually is wise and having your tenants aware of that is important. 

The HOA should have an annual meeting and send notices.

If there is no agreement signed and this person is just someone listed from the broker's database, I do not believe it is acceptable for the broker to collect a split in addition to the house split.If you are to consider negotiating this additional split, there is a lot to take into account here... what is the % of business that you generate on your own vs. how much your broker contributes?

Annual return is 12% and you get your principal back after 3 years I believe. 

In the meantime watch the BP podcasts and use the BP calculator to start analyzing deals so you get comfortable with the numbers.By this time next year I would say if you do this you'll have 10k in a bank account with an ok credit which should make you eligible for an FHA loan to buy (1-4 Units) with 3.5% down and get you started. 

Passing notes through chains or inside a loop of investors is pretty much nothing more than churning accounts.

- We've chosen many times NOT to renew a S8 tenant's lease because of the damage they cause, which their caseworker won't hold them accountable for.- We just evicted a S8 tenant that refused to pay their portion of the rent. - We also have S8 tenants move because the owner won't agree to repaint, replace carpeting, etc. - that were new when the S8 tenant moved in 1-2 years ago.Another challenge of finding S8 tenants is many EXPECT you to waive application fees and security deposits. 

If you’re able to save another $20K within 6-12 months, waiting could open up more opportunities and give you more flexibility in your investment choices.If I were young, had $23K, and believed I could rebuild that savings account, I’d seriously consider making the jump.