I know hedge funds stories has been kicked around a bunch but I thought this article I read today was good explaining what their process is for the big guys. http://www.costar.com/News/Article/Rising-Interest-Rates-Pose-First-Big-Challenge-to-Emerging-Single-Family-Rental-REITs/149416

Read more on the biggest takers of public money during the Fed bailout here: http://www.bloomberg.com/data-visualization/federal-reserve-emergency-lending/Bank of America whistleblowers cited examples of how Bank of America employees were administratively giving the run around to borrowers seeking loan modifications or due process on their foreclosure process.

I'm also going to email her the letter so she receives it quickly, along with a small guide on simply home maintenance that I found online which outlines what to do in case of emergencies, etc..

I am saddened by what I have seen happen to this country but I know there will be an emerging country not far away inhabited by an inspired populace that wants desperately to be what the U.S. once was. 

We could still be discussing this topic 1 year from now.Everyone is going to have a different idea of what they perceive as risky.How someone views debt is also relative to their spending levels and annual income.Someone making 50,000 a year might see 100k of investment debt as risky as they are not able to save much above living expenses in case of emergencies.

BTW Washington DC is the #2 in the Top 10 List of Emerging Markets today.If your broker expects commission from setting up the email alert you may want to re-visit.You can pass on to the broker this article which may increase their business.PaulSeller financing: an untapped resource for real estate agentshttp://www.inman.com/2013/05/22/seller-financing-an-untapped-resource-for-real-estate-agents/

TravisYou picked a great city Houston is in the top 10 Emerging Market list where equity is rapid and huge.Paul

I want to be able to reach my manager within at least 24-48 hours (obviously weekends excluded unless emergency), be able to rent out my place in a decent timeframe, knows the market, experienced, sends me monthly statements in a timely manner, has a good business history/references and does not try to overcharge for repairs or nickle and dime me (administrative fees, filing fee, rent deposit fee) and so on.

If I were to sock away 20% for expenses, that gives me a small NOI, and the equity would be sitting in the house which really doesn't get me anywhere.The Refi would bump up my mortgage and I'd need to hold on to about 5K for an emergency fund, but if I put about 10K into remodeling, I can potentially break-even by charging more in rent.

Adding a $150/mo. tucked away for emergency expenses and looking on the other side when the rents double its a pretty good deal.