Any thoughts on Bloomfield, NJ or other towns that could appreciate well and have or lead to positive cash flow? 

Turns out the Listing Agent put tenants in herself.3) I found out 3 days before close that Comparable rents came back too low, despite the Listing Agent having put tenants in for higher rent (an interesting positive from that situation), but the Lender couldn't use her contracts. 

With a $150,000 purchase price and $20,000 down, you’ve positioned yourself well for long-term equity growth. 

Quote from @Beck DeYoung: All of this said, I’m really struggling to stay positive about investing right now.

Than, when you get good at hosting, like it, your going to know what property is a best fit AND will have that revenue position to better buy the asset. 

The issue becomes if I leave, the proerty doesn’t generate positive cashflow.

These variables can cause deals to fall through or add unnecessary stress to your project—something you don’t want to experience as a new investor.Better Negotiating Position: Cash is king in real estate.

We might move back to the East Coast in 4-5 years, so I'm looking for investments that can work well as a primary residence now and a rental property later.Income: Both my girlfriend and I have solid tech salaries (150k+ each).Current Portfolio: I don’t currently own any rental properties.Goal & Long Term Plan: I don’t love my current job so like many of you, I would like to create enough passive income through rental properties to have financial freedom and be able to work business ideas or side projects.

This creates two loan payments ($100,000 of equity and $300,000 on the new mortgage).Key NumbersHome Equity Loan Interest Rate: 6%Mortgage Interest Rate: 7%Rental Income: $3,000 per monthExpenses (management, taxes, insurance, maintenance): $800 per monthIncome and ExpensesMonthly Rental Income: $3,000Monthly Expenses: $800Monthly Mortgage Payment: $2,000ExplanationThe investor earns $3,000 in rent each month.They pay $2,000 on the investment property mortgage and $800 on other expenses.This leaves $200 profit each month or $2,400 per year.However, you have to pay $6,000 interest on the equity borrowed.This leaves you with an annual loss of $3,600.This example shows that while the rental property generates positive monthly income, the interest cost of borrowing the initial $100,000 results in an overall annual loss.

Hi Julio,Depending on how many properties you own/Value of said properties and your loan balance.There are some private lenders willing to blanket 2nd position loans if the LTV they are at feels safe.