Prepare financially by saving for down payments, improving your credit score, and setting aside emergency reserves.

If you have the cash to make a lump sum payment and are happy with your current loan terms, recasting could be a smart move to improve your financial flexibility.

On paper, that's a 88% return before depreciation (can't depreciate land, but you can do a cost seg on the septic and other improvements), appreciation, etc. 

From experience, I’d recommend getting pre-approved, improving your debt-to-income ratio if needed, and researching local assistance programs.

Your aim starting out should be to get the best reviews as possible and use guest feedback to make improvements as you go.

When it comes to real estate, here's a general list of eligible assets and their depreciable lifespans that you should know: Residential Rental Property = 27.5 yearsThis includes any building or structure where 80% or more of its gross rental income is from residential units.That means:- Apartment buildings- Single-family rental homes- Duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes- Mobile homes (used for residential rental)- Any kind of residential lodging facility where the primary purpose is long-term rentalCommercial Property = 39 yearsThis includes non-residential properties like:-Office buildings-Retail stores and shopping centers-Warehouses-Industrial complexes-Hotels and motels that do not qualify as residential rental propertyLand Improvements = 15 yearsThese include sidewalks, roads, fencing, some landscaping, and parking lots that are separate from the building.Personal Property = 5 or 7 yearsPersonal property used in a rental activity usually has a 5 or 7-year life.This includes most furniture, appliances, carpeting and various machinery.Qualified Improvement Property (QIP) = 15 yearsGenerally, this includes any improvements made to the interior of a non-residential building after the building was placed in service, excluding elevators, enlargements, and the internal structural framework.Computers and Related Peripheral Equipment = 5 yearsVehicles = 5 yearsNote that the land itself is not depreciable.

We added value by furnishing the property, added 2 decks (one for a solo stove, and one for a large hot tub), improved the gravel driveway, mulched the landscape, and added a lot of string lights.

No improvements have been made, but nothing has deteriorated either.

Leverage Local ResourcesEconomic Development Grants: Check with your city or county for grants or incentives aimed at affordable housing or community improvement projects.Local Banks or Credit Unions: They may be more flexible than larger financial institutions, especially if your project aligns with community needs.Partnership with Nonprofits: Collaborate with organizations interested in affordable housing or sustainable living.4.

Willing to customize to tenant desires FOR A PRICE. obviously, some of the above is accomplished by the particular property you purchased; some by repairs, maintenance and improvements, and some by ongoing service commitment.