The flip side is that that is a lot of energy and motivation to be picked up from being engaged with a group like this.

No matter what type of architecture, or exterior finish, many times updating with energy efficient doors, windows, new trim, and paint will do wonders.As for the maintenance of stucco, IF IT'S APPLIED CORRECTLY, and you have good gutters, etc. on the house, you shouldn't be having problems with mold.

I'd want to have a lot of knowledge and understanding of what I was getting into before handcuffing myself to an "asset" that could dominate my energies for a long time to come.

Your expectation combined with what the market dictates for that particular deal is what I'd put your energy into.If the offer price is way under the asking price after determining your expectations and the market, then so be it....hold your ground.

Personally, I manage the tenant selection process myself, and that minimizes the time and energy I spend later.I have few enough units that it is possible, and my units are all about 1/2 hour away from my house.

That can be hard at times starting out, but service before self is important.How well you connect with people in these circles will depend on how quickly and how successfully you improve your own standing in any community and profit from it.With that, here are some bullet points of benefits;NO PERSONAL LIABILITY, Seems to me that investors who are starting out are overly concerned about personal liability, forming entities and some going to great lengths to avoid responsibility and liability.

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And if it's only 18 months til you add 2 properties per quarter or 12 more properties, doesn't it make sense to just bite the bullet for 18 more months?

They will tell you that winters are brutal there and if you are paying for heat not just water you will be in for a rude awakening as energy prices have increased substantially in the US.

Before committing their time and energy to your development, they will likely want to see evidence of your personal commitment to your education and development.