I like having a "middle man" because I am too nice :) I feel sorry for people when their dog dies or they get all of their teeth knocked out in a car wreck (true story) and can't pay on time.Also, on a more serious note, my property manager has processes in place to handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance calls, late payments, walk-thrus, etc.

If they're "selling the American dream" to people, but don't own a house, It would be like going to see a dentist with a mouth full of rotten teeth.

You guys should definitely find something to sink your teeth on since you're more familiar with the area.

.- Got taken to lunch by my realtor, contractor, property manager, my tenants- Got scammed by a guy who posed himself as a MF lender- Got bullied by a real estate lawyer to sacrifice half my deposit for doing nothing wrong.A not so warm welcome.. got out with my teeth kicked in..That is not to say the market may not be for you!

.- It's like pulling teeth thus far to get this much information.- He's informed me that he will only speak of the remaining debt on the property with a serious buyer.My question is should I try and take this deal or walk away?

Jason,If you're deciding to paint the Oak (cabinets, trim, doors) just be sure to apply no less than 3 coats of Underbody (primer) and sand well between coats then 1 good finish coat of the enamel.

Is there anything I can do about this except grit my teeth and not renew him when the lease is up?

Some "deals" don't have the teeth I need to pull the trigger on so I will pass them on to less active (less needy) investors.

Start small and cut your teeth on the basics and progress from there like SFRS, MFRs, Commercial, Land development, etc...

Cut your negotiation teeth on this, it's all a great learning experience and all it costs you is a nice lunch.