Given that the property was worth $390K in its current condition, I saw an opportunity to make the numbers work while keeping my upfront costs low.Instead of increasing my cash offer, I negotiated a $25K down payment with the seller carrying the balance for two years through owner financing.

Would the value of the remodel increase the rents or the selling price that would out weight the cost? 

.- Over a 10 year period cashflow will increase as rents increase (rents typically rise faster than property taxes, insurance, etc.)- The property should be appreciating, if purchased in a good location, increasing the owner's equity/wealth.- Rents will be paying the mortgage off, increasing the owner's equity/wealth.- If you hold a rental until death, you can pass it on with a stepped-up cost basis, limiting captial gains if then sold (limited by inheritance tax limitations).Too many newbies on this site trying to replace their day job income via "passive" real estate investing w/o digging deep enough to understand how it really works.

Let’s talk about what’s holding you back and how letting go can increase your bottom line

I have found that the "value add" opportunities, with rent increases, renovations, zoning conversions, and other work needed, absolutely do take up more of your time compared to a more turnkey property - even with third party management overseeing the process. 

A simple explanation might be that rents have increased to offset higher mortgage costs, but what about property owners who locked in rates below 4%—or even 3%?

Strategic pricing and market positioning were key factors in increasing the property’s value.

After a year at staring at insurance data daily, AZ insurance rates are only increasing marginally, while most states are damn near doubling.3.

If MTR is a good strategy you will further increase your cashflow.

Do the schools have increasing or decreasing student enrollment?