Quote from @Jeffrey Bourque: Hello All, I am new and this is my first attempt at purchasing a property with the intent to create monthly cash flow.The property: Triplex Listed at $140,000 - Total monthly rent income $2,150 - Tenants want to stay and are all willing to sign new leases for 3 years - 8 beds 5 baths and 3,500sqft livable space on a 4,800sqft lot - Heat and electric paid by tenants and water trash paid by owner $180 month - I have managed to talk the selling price down to $105,000 with a kick of $10,000 for closing and commissions so $115,000 all in - Building is in fairly good shape according to pictures and questions but have not done a inspection yet - some general maintenance repairs are needed according to the seller but nothing that seems to bother the tenants. - Taxes are on the higher side at $6,000 yearMy Numbers: $115,000 putting 20% of my money $23,000 and finance the rest with total expense of $1,834Monthly expense numbers: Future Maintenance 13% $273 - Vacancy 5% $105 - Property Insurance 5% $105 - Property Taxes 23% $500 - Property management 10% $215 - Office/Travel/Legal 4% $84 - Mortgage 26% $552 - Monthly Cash Flow - $316 per month or $3,792 per year so Cash on Cash = 17%I think this looks like it is a deal worth doing and I also believe I can bump the total rent up by $50 each tenant which I think make it even better.

I used to do essentially free consulting with new investors on it but gave it up for some of the same reasons - everyone thinks you can just sit at home and buy good properties across the country that are in great shape. 

Fortunately, all major capex are in great shape (roof: 5 years, AC: 3 years, siding: 6 years).I just wanted to say a big thank you to the BiggerPockets community! 

Later I was able to buy the vacant lot between for a grand total of about 2.4 acres.All the houses are in bad shape.

When we spoke, I alerted you to the need to make the quick repairs, and you agreed to allow access to the space to get things back to top shape.

The 2008 timeframe was different and in situations a lot harder than now, but this market will shape a lot of investors that found their new market, product to focus on, and/or to dive in deeper when times get tough.   

Interior is in pretty good shape. 

I am deeply grateful for the challenges I've faced, as they have shaped me and brought valuable perspective to my journey.4o

The home was in rough shape—think mold, a hole in the roof, and years of water damage.

After watching the trends and digging into the numbers, one thing is crystal clear: New-home sales 2025are shaping up to be the silver lining in what’s otherwise been a challenging market.