Your clients will be coming to you for your expertise on what is likely their biggest asset and investment of their lives and keeping yourself up to date on the news and learning from others experiences is invaluable!

Some of these include:1) Your product/value proposition2) Marketing/Management/Customer Success3) Systems, Automations, Efficiency4) LocationTo me, #1 has the biggest weight on the success. 

My biggest concern was that I have no bargaining power when its under contract on splitting repair expenses with the seller because I have to close on it.

It's my understanding that if there's a "partial exclusion", I'd use a Form 8949 with Code H...And if it's "fully excluded" and there's no 1099-S issued (which I indeed received no 1099-S), then I'd simply not mention it at all.But my biggest question is....

Your biggest problem is the same one all of us have down there right now - too much supply, too little demand.

My criteria is as follows:1- Primary goal is appreciation over the next 5/6 years, cashflow positive preferred but cashflow neutral at a min.2- Preferred portfolio - Duplex & SFH in TX or Duplex each in TX and FL.3- Area of interest - I-35 corridor by Austin TX and Cape Coral/Lehigh Acres FL.4- Focus is on new construction properties for obvious no immediate maintenance needs and Developer incentives on interest.I know Austin is a no brainer but I would like to get your expert opinion on Cape Coral/Lehigh acres FL area.

We do however have our preferred lender offer them incentives to use them so we know the mortgage is air tight.

I am more concerned about roof damage since that is usually the biggest ticket item. 

This is one of the biggest mistakes I observe.While terms are important, take the time to get to know what each banker has to offer, their capacity and how they can help you grow.

The biggest cost challenges with them is keeping them "historical".