Feel" the true beat of the portfolio's income and expenses performance before using leverage to speed up the growth of your portfolio.Using cash only will protect your bottom line in scenario's like yours when the properties don't perform as expected as you won't be on the hook to cover the mortgage expenses.Just my bias opinion so take it with a grain of salt.I've also witnessed many finger pointing instances when others get involved.Like a new property manager, realtor, contractor, etc...I've had my share of bad experiences with realtors that threw my company under the bus and got in the investors ear to flog it at any price just so they can make a quick commission.It get's very messy, painful and pretty much turns into a disaster with the investor not knowing who to trust or what to do anymore.Similar to what you post about has happened to me and my company many times and if allowed the opportunity, we do our best to fix and come good.Some loose trust and faith and I 100% understand, but as soon as someone leaves the wing of my company there is not much that we can do because as I mentioned above, everyone else get's involved, has an opinion and the situation get's very messy.Having in-house property management is vital when such a "crisis" arises.I tried out-sourced PM when we first started and it was a disaster.We had no choice other than to bring it in-house.Hated my life for the first 5 years with in-house PM and fast forward 10 years, it has become our "golden goose" and a very well streamlined and beautiful business.From what I've seen and read on the forum and elsewhere it seems like RTR has a good reputation and what you have mentioned seems like a "worst case scenario".I hope RTR will assist you the best they can and all I can say is learn from the experience and don't give up.Do your best to weather the storm and focus on minutia.Don't have regrets and don't spend too much time dwelling on the past.Glimpse into the past to get guidance from what you could have done better and think ahead.Move forward smarter, more experienced and better.Wishing you well and much success with your future endeavors.

Most states do not require a notary or witnesses for that matter.

That's what's wrong wit society. 

Closing with our backend buyer for $425,000 on March 31st, 2024 we witness the culmination of our efforts, a testament to the power of vision and perseverance in the world of real estate.

I've watched my parents reach great levels of success through real estate, and I've heard countless stories and witnessed first hand in other peoples lives the power of real estate.

Sometimes what you witness, rather than what the seller tells you, shows the reality.If there is one thing I've learnt, it's that you should never rush through a property tour.

Both had tenants living in them and it was some of the most deplorable situations I have witnessed in almost 30 years of real estate.

. 🏠👍 100% agreed.I've witnessed way to many investors over the years getting caught with their pants down when using too much leverage.The real estate "guru" world is incentivized by selling more properties (Realtors earn commissions on every property sold) and "no money or low money" strategies (Easy way to flog books and seminars), etc...So leverage to the tilt they would say...The best deals are bought quickly and with cash.All good things take time and so does building a strong and sustainable real estate portfolio.Start slow and small and build the foundation of your portfolio with cash.This will minimize losses when vacancies occur and one hopefully won't have to put their hand too deep in their own pocket to cover expenses as they occur (Especially large expenses like mortgage costs).Once a solid foundation has been built and experience gained over a period of time of what the true income vs expenses will be, then look at using leverage.Also, all deals should be analyzed from a "devils advocate" standpoint and don't get too excited about it's initial prospects.If you think it won't happen to, I'm here to tell you that it will.This is coming from someone that has done hundreds of deals and has seen it all.Always protect the bottom line first and foremost.Much success

I would hope that they don't sell the CA properties to take the cash with the step up basis - I think they've witnessed enough family members who aren't RE investors vs those are are and which ones are doing financially well. 

It's truly motivating to witness flips happening in the area and how properties can appreciate through strategic renovations.