Keep in mind that I'm in a rural market. 

These are the horror stories.We also have a few S8 tenants that keep their homes immaculate!

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the bathroom as carefree as possible.

Deal makers-  development potential, vehicles per day, road ingress egress off highway, signage potential, multiple road accesses, value add potential- housing- trees, boulders, ponds, walkout, views, right side of town, power-line right of ways, etc6.  

Just keep it real, keep it accessible, and make sure the value feels genuine rather than forced.

There is a real dearth of available rentals there right now and the new builds can't keep up with demand.

Shawn Ackerman I will defenitly keep you updated on my progress.

- Network with local agents and investors, so you start getting first crack at new deals.If you can amp up the cashflow on the first duplex, you can use the extra cash to:- Pay down the mortgage, setting yourself up for a future refinance to free up your VA Entitlement.OR- For your next acquisition.One of your biggest challenges will to keep the cash flowing when you move out of a duplex.

It does seem to make some sense to keep living there with the help of a roommate paying the mortgage.

You have to keep the same foundation, but there is no requirement for a home to be "live in" ready to do a 203k loan.