New investor hereI have 2 rental properties (duplex & triplex) that I bought at the highest interest rates (8%), they DO cash flow but now that rates have softened a bit my question is when do you all as investors decide to pull the trigger on refinances?

If the fact pattern was different and after you went under contract you created value through a variance, permitting or other means then you have a different story to tell and some lenders will treat the imputed equity as your cash consideration.

If you guys want to live there and the timing is right for you guys, then, I would say pull the trigger. 

- Investing with a Friend: Tips on structuring partnership and legal/financial considerations?

Here are a few tips to help you navigate this:Tenant Considerations: When dealing with tenant-occupied properties, it’s crucial to understand the existing lease agreements.

According to the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act:Even if a landlord has a no pet policy in place, the law does not consider service animals as pets and therefore the service animal is exempt from such a restriction.Service animals are allowed anywhere a person would go, including food areas that would normally restrict an animal’s presence.Landlords cannot charge a pet deposit or pet fee for service animals, however the tenant is liable for any damage that the service animal may cause.Landlords can require written verification from the tenant’s health care provider that they are disabled but cannot ask for any specifics about the disability.Landlords can require written verification from the tenant’s health care provider that the service animal is needed.Landlords can request copies of the animal’s health records to prove the animal is in good health, parasite-free and immunized/vaccinated.Landlords can write warnings or even evict a tenant with a service animal if the animal is disturbing others, posing a threat to others or causing considerable damage to the property.In other words, you can ask for appropriate paperwork concerning the tenant’s need for the service animal and to verify the animal’s health. 

As an owner, what are the top considerations or issues you face when deciding to bring on a property management company to help manage your units?

Hi AllI am from CA and finally pulled the trigger on a strip mall in San Antonio.

Option 1 allows you to spread your investment across three properties, considerably increasing your rental revenue and accelerating portfolio growth; however, maintaining several mortgages can be difficult, potentially limiting your cash flow, especially if one property is vacant.

It is a difficult balance to be considerate of tenants but you have to be considerate of your bank account.