The returns I'll pull in from the out of state triplex will be 4x what I can get in DC on a percentage basis.Moral of the story, don't be afraid to look out of state.

BUT, I am not afraid to admit that I don't know what I don't know.  

Don't be afraid to make an offer.  

We have two possible right now but are afraid to pursue until lending is figured out.

Welcome LisaRead a lot, learn a lot, dont be afraid to take actionEducation and action will make you wealthyJosh

Don't be afraid to bring in a basement foundation repair company and get a quote to get the issues identified and fixed. 20% of 110k =  22k Down110k - 22k =     88k  Financed88k @ 4% for 30 years ===  Monthly Payment of $420  (principle and interest)Other Numbers you'll need:Property Taxes  (get on the county website)Insurance (just call an agent or ask owner)Repairs    ( Really depends on condition of property, 10-15%)Utilities    (get as many months of bills as possible)Property Mgt (even if you plan on doing this yourself)vacancy     (depends on market and property, 10%)LawnCap Ex    (depends on property but sounds high on this building) 15%These are VERY VERY rough numbers but lets look anyway...Gross Rent- 22,500 (assuming all 3 are rented at 625 and no washing machine income)ExpensesP&I-          5,040Taxes-      2,200 ( I figured 2% of home value)Ins-           800    Repairs     2250     Water       1800    (150/mth)          Look into heat billVacancy   1125Prop Mgt  2250Lawn         300Cap Ex      3375Total        19,140  22500-19140=  3,360   Cash Flow YearlyInvestment of 22,000 /  3,360 = 15.2% ReturnPlus tax advantages, paying a little down on mortgage, possibly appreciation, learn a lot.Location, Basement, Local Market, Comparable properties, and firming up numbers ALL need to be looked into.Let me know what you think! 

Hi Folks,I'm afraid that I'm going to be paying some Cap gains this year on a property I've had rented for a few years.  

Most people get content or would rather sit back and complain about how unfair life is. they will not get their hands dirty, some are afraid of risk, some spend every dollar they have for self gratification and will never have the money to try.

Basically, this is a blank check provision - not a good idea on a ten year loan with yield provisions as a pre-payment penalty.I have not checked the insurance requirements against our current insurance policies, but I'm afraid there will be more surprises. 

Essentially, my plan is to learn, network, tighten up my credit, raise capital, and pull the trigger within the next year (my original plan was within 9 months, but that would mean purchasing in December...I'm afraid it will be more difficult to flip a house in this area during the winter and I want to minimize holding cost as much as practical...thoughts on that are appreciated).That said, I'm a clean slate ready to absorb all the knowledge and wisdom from others in the BP community.