They are essentially hoping you don't notice all these little maneuvers and that you look to the bottom of the page to see a positive cash flow.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases: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.

I think it is fair to say that there is somewhat of a tradeoff between markets that provide positive cash flow on day one and relatively high appreciation-based markets.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases: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.

It may cash flow for a year or 2 but once things start breaking or something goes south with a tenant or it sits vacant for a few months, all of that previous "cash flow" is wiped out.The business model is a high CapEx / low cash flow business model relative to the value of the assets.Rentals are a great long-term wealth-building vehicle (appreciation, loan pay down, tax benefits, etc).Don’t rely on them to pay for your groceries.Sounds like you have a lot of experience in negative CF, and not in positive CF. 

We are still relatively small with only 5 properties, 7 doors.

Relative AffordabilityDespite recent price increases, Buffalo’s housing market remains more affordable compared to many other U.S. metros.

It separates your personal assets from your business, providing a safeguard if any legal issues arise related to tenants or the property.

Start by asking for recommendations from local real estate groups, Facebook community pages, or other landlords in the area—they’re often the best source.What do you think about getting a good referral from a good property manager?

I’m a full-time sales professional at a global GSI, so I’m seeking relatively efficient strategies.Has anyone successfully used cash-out refinances, 1031 exchanges, or other equity-based approaches to boost income?