and it's not only not cash, it's expensive money - for it to be worth using you'd need either (1) something short term, like a flip (not recommending that here) or (2) a very high return that beats the interest rate you're paying on it.

Eric,Without going into too much detail on each line item, at first I use my back of the napkin method with a 40-50% expense ratio.

I wonder if anyone would have a take on whether homeowners who have locked in sub 5% interest rates on their primary residences are deciding to become landlords rather than sell their homes.  In my area the number of ...

I currently have 2 properties, for 5 doors, which are cash flowing about $1000 a month, after all expenses, cap ex, etc. 

You are in a solid position with low expenses, a strong savings cushion, and a pending income increase, but I think you have an even better opportunity here.Before you commit to this townhouse, I would highly recommend talking to a lender and a real estate advisor about purchasing a multifamily property instead.

Finding Deals – What’s the best way to find turnkey or low-maintenance properties in this price range?

Is anyone familiar with the investment strategy of acquiring a property through a Trust to take over payments from a seller and maintain their interest rate and lender (typically due a financially distressed situation...

You may certainly make mistakes to learn from but they can prove to be very expensive lessons.What price point are you seeing that is tempting you?

also what part of columbus ohio is considered good, low on crime, fast developing yet still affordable to buy a house?  

Hey @Michael Baum what about buying a couple snowmobiles, making an ice rink, buy some snow shoes , fireplace …voilà the ultimate winter vacation spot for your “Offseason “(snowmobile  is expensive I know )