Given this is where my major operating expenses fell (beyond taxes and insurance), keeping this cost lower, by average, helps my cash flow.I invest in older neighborhoods, so the 2-4 unit properties, typically have single water meter, maybe single electric, and many have radiator heat with a single boiler.  

Some of the questions I'm asking are as follows:- Age of roof and HVAC - Any major maintenance issues/fixes done recently

Since you and your wife have renovation skills, targeting properties that need minor improvements can maximize your return on investment while minimizing the time and cost associated with major renovations.

Whereas the cap rate on active listings are 5, 6 range.

I would also consider scaling back major expenses like car payments, lavish shopping, etc.

These allow you to:1.Force Appreciation: Actively increase the property’s value through strategic renovations.2.Leverage Equity: Either refinance or flip the property to build more liquidity for your next deal.If you’re interested in chatting more about strategy or need guidance, feel free to shoot me a DM.

Leverage Tech: What apps, tools, or platforms would you use to streamline your daily activities?

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

However, I would avoid neighborhoods where the vast majority of the homes are owner occupied and all of the homes are really well kept - you can do a quick search on county GIS or software and click on the homes to see if they are owned in personal names or LLCs. 

The vast majority of "regular" or traditional (Conv/Govt) mortgages are originated by specialty lenders and brokers and are sold in the secondary market to provide yield on bank balance sheets (think Chase or BoA) or to be securitized into MBS.