Positive Note - All but one have Active LLC's. 

This post was prompted by a discussion of a specific STR-related tax strategy on another thread. But the concepts apply across a wide range of topics, so I'm posting my TED talk separately.
1. The annual nature of ta...

It generates positive cash flow of around $600/month after expenses.

After speaking with a few friends and realtors, I've been advised that the West End, East Atlanta Village, and East Lake areas hold great potential, particularly for higher rents and positive cash flow (>$2,800+).

Tax benefits, equity position, cash flow How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.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:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.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:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.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:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.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:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

The only positive to a condo is its low entry point.

One of the main scenarios where it does in fact make sense is your example - it might be negatively cash flowing in year 1 - but start cash flowing positively in years 2, 3 and then down the road years 5, 6, 7 (all the way to 30 is technically possible if no refi or sale) the DSCR can explode quite a bit higherAlso sharing links here to 11 articles published here on BiggerPockets all about DSCR Loans, hope these help as well!

The ideal asset allocation for someone in your financial position depends on various factors, including your age, risk tolerance, retirement goals, and current lifestyle.