They didn’t completely destroy the house, I did keep most of their security deposit and used it for the repairs, along with some of our own cash.

Exterior security cameras.

It's a riskier loan given you do not carry a social security, no US credit & no experience.Due to increased risk comes mitigation (Lower LTV & Higher Rates)

One of them being you can't charge more than one month security deposit.

I know I need to hold the security deposit in an escrow account.  

I’m not claiming to know it all—I’m here to learn, build relationships, and grow.Here’s what I bring to the table:A strong understanding of leveraging Net Operating Income (NOI) to secure financing and reduce out-of-pocket costs.Experience in negotiating deals and identifying opportunities, especially in the LA market where many multi-family properties are under $2 million.Skills in managing larger properties, from scheduling repairs and upgrades to optimizing operations for long-term value.The ability to use AI tools for data analysis, market insights, and deal projections to help us act quickly and efficiently.I’ll be upfront—my funds are limited after dedicating the COVID years to supporting my family, but I have the work ethic and expertise to find and manage properties that perform.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.

This is my first investment property and I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for security cameras.

Yes, you bought what seems like a good deal on paper, but in reality, you own an old apartment building in a neighborhood with poor security, possibly surrounded by long-vacant shops, streets piled with garbage, and a poorly managed community.

A mix of short- and long-term strategies could hedge against market shifts.Borrowing allows you to scale faster, especially if you can secure favorable terms.