I would encourage you to keep reading and interacting here on BiggerPockets to learn and leverage all the experience we have in this community.

I'm not a fan of HOAs, the fees can be onerous.But I have benefited by getting a new roof, new siding, and a new parking lot from the HOA fees that I paid.And besides those extraordinary items they also provided grass cutting, snow removal, heat, hot water, sewer, trash removal, insurance and outside maintenance.And besides those normal fees that I would have had to provide they also provided some items that I would not ordinarily provide like swimming pools (hate the maintenance and the liability), tennis courts and club house.

I am constantly inspired by this community and look forward to interacting with everyone in the future!

Our goal is once we get the tenants that we want, we have the tenant base, the class of tenants we want, our goal is to switch some of that marketing down into payroll because extraordinary customer service is what retains tenants, and is much for profitable for us to retain tenants than go get new ones.

Looking forward to interacting with everyone while I start this journey.

http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/2013/county-property-taxes-maprepost from user DCCWA on Reddithttp://www.reddit.com/r/RealEstate/comments/1ric20/property_taxes_and_home_values_by_us_county/

My career and education has me mostly covered with the financial concepts, I'm hoping PB will help me find people to network with, guide me in how to find "the right" properties, and allow me to help others with my background.If there are any accounting or tax related questions I can help any of you with, please don't hesitate to ask.Looking forward to connecting and interacting with all of you.Sincerely,Scott Baker

I wouldn't call that a sob story, everyone has their reasons for having the drive to do an extraordinary thing in real estate.

Welcome to BP Jonathan...I believe the most is gained from this resource when you are involved and interact with others.

I echo the others' sentiments in regards to the following:1) Keyword alerts2) Upload a picture of yourself3) Listen to all the podcasts (especially #29 lol)4) Read the blogs5) Interact and ask questions as needed6) Come to the Milwaukee meet up if you get the chance