But I know adopting this kind of long term thinking will benefit me down the line.I am on a mission and am going to stop at nothing to build my real estate empire.So, I am gradually getting to what this thread is going to be about.

Gradually build up as you go and move into small multi family units (4-12 maybe) which moves you to the commercial world a bit, hire a manager, learn more.

Raise rents gradually with the first one being the higher raise maybe around $100 at most the first year.

Hopefully the tenant will understand and either accept the gradual increases,  or move out,  allowing you to ask more of an incoming tenant.Or,  since its a SFR  if the home itself is in decent condition somebody WILL buy it given the housing market around here.   

If the waterfall is used, then it will start at a lower split for the GP and then gradually increase based on the IRR achieved.

Oakland is considerably larger, of course, but I've been seeing the tide turning gradually (block by block) for the past few years.

This may involve building up a portfolio of properties over time, starting with smaller investments and gradually scaling up as you gain experience and confidence

The plan is to purchase and raise rental prices gradually and come in to do the rehab once tenant leaves - estimating just about 10-15K in repairs - this should get top rent prices afterwards.

I cant wait to read your updates as your tone gradually changes when dealing with tenants.

The payments in the beginning are interest-heavy so the bank gets their $$ first, and it gradually shifts to more and more principal paydown as time goes by.