Annual rent raises is acceptable and encouraged.  

Be lucky you have those people in place, but don't expect that to be the case in the future unless you have 1) a product that can't be beat, or 2) a price that can't be beat to encourage your tenants to stay. 

I appreciate the encouragement

So you don't have the money and don't (yet) have the knowledge to overcome not having the money.Again, I love the enthusiasm and encourage you to continue on your real estate path.

If you really want it for yourself than that is one thing but if you want to maximize your investing capacity right now, I would encourage you just to flip this property.

Jack, this is a very encouraging welcome.

The encouragement of all of you in this community is fantastic.

As a way to encourage the sellers, you could have an agreement that says you will pay them $1000 or something when you find your tenant buyer, but in most cases you wont need to... so I wouldnt offer it unless you think it will be a slam dunk to sell.With regard to locating properties with signs down, or vacant properties... there is always a potential there, but often time consuming.

Most states now have concealed carry laws and I highly encourage anyone in this business to get their concealed carry license.

Words of encouragement are welcomed.