The baseplate on my circular saw is 1.5" from the blade, so its easy to position the fence. 

Thought I would share a success story regarding getting an appraised value adjusted with success. 

@Byron BohlsenI make all my tenants get renters insurance per the lease paragraph and  I tell them: " file the claim and have the adjuster check the door for damage as well. " Renters insurance is about $150 per year. 

To keep it as a SFR, we would save on a 2-story porch ($18k) as well as another kitchen ($12k) and a few other needs for multi unit.We could keep it as a 2 unit, but then we have to create a new wall to separate the units again, adjust the main staircase, do the 2 story porch along with a 2nd flr HVAC, dual water heaters & electrical, kitchen and maybe move and/or add a wall.

What that means is that if my modified adjusted gross income (AGI) on my tax return is less than $150k I can deduct some or all of the losses up to $25k.

@Philip Mullinax first if you need to evict someone from a unit you are buying the price needs to be adjusted for that. 

Thanks Tim.My insurance company said the damages to my neighbors unit will be covered under my insurance policy and there is no deductible to be paid by me.All he needs to do is send in pictures and an estimate for repairs.Since my insurance company is handling the claim, there is no need for an adjuster to come out.

HELOCs do have lower closing costs but the rate is adjustable and it changes to a different product after 10 years.  

@Joy Buell By making too much money you mean your adjusted gross income, which makes you ineligible to take losses from the rental properties? 

So while a Fannie/Freddie loan will be a 30 year fixed rate that is pretty low...a portfolio loan might be an Adjustable Rate (which will make your payment change), or only a 15 year term (which will make your payment higher), or have a higher rate all together...and I have seen many a portfolio loan that has all 3 of those features.