My biggest pain point is rounding up help to move them in and out, as I'm a solo self manager.

Expect to allocate less time  towards management functions if self-performed or more favorable management fee structures if 3rd party management companies are utilized (which ties back to #1, as well).

Going to repost and remove what they called Self Promotion:Ok, several things to consider but buying the rate down is NOT a way to earn more money for your lender.

I never received a single response from an actual property owner — just self-promotions from PMCs or people affiliated with PMCs.

Google Forms are nice to input cash transactions directly into spreadsheet, to get applications from tenants, to ask virtual assistants to enter data.

Hi @James Heller I am fully renovating 2 of my units on a 4plex I have in Golden Hill...feel free to reach out and send me a private message if you need assistance and contacts....You can get cabinets and prefab quartz countertops pretty inexpensive and refacing is usually more expensive, I've found.  

Also, my insurance company said it would be the same rate regardless which option I go with.or do I stick with the cheapest option upfront like a shingle roofObviously the upfront cost/future cash flow will be hurt the most by the standing seam steal roof (although it could assist in resale value)Does anyone have experience on roofing or an opinion which is most ideal for this scenario?

Besides what you've mentioned, here are a few additional common expenses to consider:Landscaping (especially if there’s grass or common outdoor areas)Pest control (sometimes needed for multi-family properties)Legal/accounting fees (for lease updates, tax filing, etc.)Vacancy reserves (for covering costs during turnover)I can assist in helping you find funding, LMK! 

Most if not all of my income appears on my Schedule E as rental income from a college rental portfolio that I self manage.

Not enough current income to move the needle, but all the knowledge required to learn and, if you're self-managing, the always-present "the tenant could move/break/have problem any minute of the day" possibility.