I am aiming for cash flow and appreciation both , i am clear with investment objective i.e. financial freedom, in terms of timeline - i have just started scratching the surface of real estate investing i want to learn as quickly i can and gain information in order to get started for searching deals, budget and risk tolerance would like to put a number when some progress i have made personally in understanding of whole process, my diligence and external factor dependency, that's why looking for some basics to understand and path going forward 

With the Duplex now, my understanding is I file as though the rental half is a separate property and cut all expenses in half as a write off to my rental income (property tax, insurance, maintenance, improvements, etc...nothing was done specifically to either unit it was full home external work like garage and railing repairs, painting) as well as depreciating the half of the duplex that is a rental after calculating basis.It all seems very straightforward to me but I know I'd be naive not to have a second set of eyes with a professional given my lack of experience.

This can restrict investment opportunities for those relying on external financing.Risk of Unknown Property Condition: Since HUD properties are sold in "as-is" condition, buyers may encounter unforeseen issues or defects that were not apparent during the initial inspection.

I'm bringing the 20% cash down but no credit rating /external cash flow and they are bringing a credit rating and full time job - ie the loan.  

They're safe, easy to understand, and not reliant on external economic factors. 

Some former friends were financially decimated but refused to admit responsibility, lived in great denial and always blamed external factors for their own failure.

On an investment in a condo or co-op, what numbers are you using to calculate Cap-Ex and Maintenance in situations where HOA fees cover external items like the roof, building exterior, foundation, landscaping, etc.?  

The renovations you mentioned plus external painting were what we were thinking. 

R.E. historically appreciates about the same as inflation(3-5%), except when external drivers are in play.

Even more incredible (and extremely sad), those with $40,000 saved are willing to spend it all (usually eagerly) on a mentorship program in which they have done no research and demanded no proof that the program has been successful, other than read some hand picked testimonials from the guru's students.