Specifically ERVs. I'm working towards Energy Star in my new 4 unit build because it's fairly easy to get slightly above code and cheap to have the raters come and certify you with the Energy Star label which would ad...

Also know that commercial values are determined by the assets existing performance via their financial statements using the NOI and cap rates, which differs a good bit from how residential real estate is valued using comparable sales.

Set aside the full 25k for cash reserves, pay off some debt, perform preventative maintenance (furnaces, etc) or buy next property?

Nothing is holding me back; we already own the house and are performing the conversion.

Does anyone have any stats about how rentals perform in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis?

On the other hand if you feel the stock market is going to under perform the 6.8% (knowing that the average long term gain on the stock market is 7%) then you might consider paying off the notes more. 

I have a brand new house with a year of builder warranty, and so full property management might be overkill at this point.

From what I'm gathering on this thread, though, it seems like there wouldn't be anything to "preapprove" if the intent is to use a portfolio loan; you'd have to have a performing asset in place in order to demonstrate an ability for the investor or LLC holding the property to pay back the loan, and you'd run the risk of leaving all your capital tied up in the property if you were ultimately unable to get approved for that portfolio loan when the time came. 

You get the card, put it in a drawer, and never use it, but you will build a credit history based on their performance record.Work hard and save money.

Professional management and screening will have the largest impact on how your investment performs month to month from a cash flow perspective.