I have been scouting some land and it would be a really low investment for the surplus you would gain out of it.

Now, each time I can withdraw from this rental surpluses, I generally label it as "Withdraw from Owner".My question is: should I label these withdraws now as "Reimbursement # 1, # 2, ...to Owner (to reimburse for the roof replacement)" up to the value of the roof, or does it not matter?

I agree with others who have written that $1000/m surplus is likely too ambitious. more likely, NONE of your own living expenses (other than free rent) will be covered unless 1: you have bought in a seedy area, OR, you get VERY lucky with buying a super bargain.Of course, I could be wrong.

Look for an 'excess & surplus" general agent.

I know some cities or counties or states will take them in as surplus properties then auction them off for fair market value..

A word of caution to those who go after tax surplus.

Brent,Perhaps I am misinterpreting the tone of this post, but it came off as far too condescending when you consider how misguided the actual message you're attempting to convey appears to be.First, it's important to establish a common understanding of what is meant by 'cash-flow nuetral,' As it is used in this example; we are referring to the the cash surplus (or lack-thereof) from operations, which is often used interchangeably in REI with net OPERATING income.

We use a glue edge vinyl plank from Surplus Warehouse.

Builders Surplus in Santa Ana is an option for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities http://www.builderssurplus.net

If you live in Lima Ohio like Ben.. you probably don't need as much as if you live in Bay Area like Brian.. ( don't know were serge lives)... and we all have to work.... at something .But those I know that are retired generally own everything free and clear.. and live off of surplus rental income or interest income.. then we all have the things we like to do.. if its just living in a home somewhere never eating out never travelling hoarding your money that's one thing.If you need a budget for travel.. bling for wife... credit card for wife.. school for kids or grandkids. etc etc... so it really depends as they say.I do see many on BP that have a quasi magic number that they can then quite their day job and that is 10k a month off of positive cash flow.... so for whatever that's worth...