@Alec Barnes As the owner of a property management company in Texas, I completely agree that a solid screening process is essential for placing quality tenants.

You can be an agent, property manager, service provider, etc. 

Plus, if you self manage you could wipe much of those taxes out with depreciation. 

Unfortunately, not many around like that...The appraisal is about $150-$200 higher than standard cost because they likely went through an appraisal management company ("AMC") to get the appraisal ordered/assigned.

You may get EXTREMELY lucky and find one for 15% (if they get approval from management), but you will not find one for 5%. 

If you can't manage what you currently have, you won't manage additional income from investments.

McKinney is thriving, but so are other parts of North Texas, and a broader perspective could reveal other great opportunities.Here’s what I’ve observed managing a significant number of rentals in the area:Bedrooms and Layouts:3-bed, 2-bath homes consistently attract the largest pool of tenants and have the highest occupancy rates.4-bedroom homes have grown in demand, especially with the rise of remote work, as tenants look for extra space to use as a home office.Square footage is less critical than number of beds and baths.Supply and Demand:McKinney’s growth is driving demand, but the quality of the location matters greatly.

Common deductible expenses include mortgage interest, property management fees, repairs, and even travel expenses related to property management.

I estimated capex at 10% which I think is low considering the deferred maintenance, 10% property management, 8 percent vacancy.

Just wanted to introduce myself.My name is Ariel, I am 32 years old (this Thursday), and I am making my first steps as a real estate investor.As I live abroad, most if not all of my work would be remote, and right now I am focusing on Jacksonville, FL.My main goal for this year is to fix and flip  at least 2 SF's properties, and for the next few years to increase this number, maybe do some MF, and possibly to also BRRR when I raise enough of my own capital.At the moment, my biggest challenge is the fact that I am remote, so I could use some help from a local realtor or management company.It's so amazing to know this community  exists, and I am thrilled to actually take part in it