You would think with a fixed rate loan the COC would improve over time but the other expenses are so large that the COC stays about the same year 2 to year 5.

Property value is land + improvements (the structure). 

Screening tenants well and then a security deposit or credit card hold process in place will limit liability.

Success often comes from picking properties with strong chances for rent income or those that can be improved in value.

You can reevaluate selling in a few years when interest rates improve and more buyers get into the market

Replacing countertops, though, is a capital improvement and usually has to be capitalized and depreciated over time.

Larger properties spread your risk.Be Ready for Some Sweat Equity: Many first-time house hackers underestimate this part, but putting in a little elbow grease can drastically improve your returns.

This is just the latest case study of how Government is incapable of improving housing affordability on its own.

Leave credit cards at home in the freezer in a bag filled with water that has frozen over....lolAmazes me how many people fall for these types of programs.When I buy NNN properties either my buyers wanting to own direct and I find the property or whether they are accredited LP investor on my syndication deals they learn with me while they INVEST CAPITAL to own fully themselves or a piece of the deal. 

Approached the seller asking they pay all closing costs, received enough credits to buy down the interest rate back into the 5-range (current rates were in the 7-range).