Usually holding costs and lost opportunity costs far outweigh the gain in sales price.I would also have multiple exit strategies and if prices dropped more than I wanted could I keep it as a long-term investment and have the rent cover my expenses.

But if the debt is say 50% of value - what’s the chance of the property not “covering” the debt  and your personal guarantee being enacted? 

If your policy doesn't cover flood or wind and the loss of income is caused by flood or wind you aren't covered.  

Seller financing is very hard to get.Most seller has the intent of collecting all the money upfront for a new property.To entice the seller to accept a low down payment, agree to the purchase price without negotiating, cover the closing costs and if there are any commissions involved with brokers/agents.

So I hired a company to pressure wash my apartments (8 units) in New York State and the guy fell off the roof.   

- **Addressing the Cesspool**: Since the cesspool is a known issue, consider including some language in your listing that reassures buyers this is normal for the area, and perhaps offer to cover some closing costs or provide a credit toward upgrading the system if necessary

Concessions: Ask sellers to cover closing costs, repairs, or provide price reductions.

All an agent should do for you is list the property to generate showings => to generate applications, that YOU then screen.Now, they may actually be asking you want screening criteria you want them to advertise, which is fine.Can't answer your question though, without knowing if this is a Class A, B, C or D property - as they will all have different criteria.Here's a sample of some of what we use in our Metro Detroit market:Class A Properties:Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

It is basically a new house except the roof, which is metal and does not leak).

I want to cover home and commercial sales as well as rental ownership and management.