A specific property you find online would be even better.

To me, it sounds like you'd be better off buying something closer to town that's more suitable for a rental. 

But trust me, when you find that architect that understand your processes, your life and projects will become exponentially easier, the projects will turn out better, and you will make more money in the end. 

Yes, EVERYTHING would have been better if they had communicated and scheduled thing better, but if you focus on what YOU can do at each step things will work out better.

Better yet, if all the units look exactly the same in terms of layout and furnishings, you won’t even have to change the pictures or listing copy.

It can be made better and will be made better.  

Hey Elizabeth - I'd factor in about $10k to get a padsplit up and running when it comes to furnishing which would include washer / dryer, additional fridge, bedding/desks, common area furnishings if you want to offer a little better experience.I'm only familiar with ATL - I think accounting for 1 move in / 1 move out per month is a good conservative assumption here.$8kish / year or so on routine and reactive maintenance combined which should include your cleanings, lawn care, maintenance calls ect. 12% per month of gross rents should be a good estimate if you want to look at it like that!

I always say 'I don't care what cap rate I buy at, I care what cap rate I can turn it into'I built Market Analysis and Sales Comps tools for my local SoCal market that will let you analyze the current or terminal property & units, from wherever you get your deals from:Sales Comps & ARV estimate:Sales market analysis:Rental market analysis:Would love to discuss how to make your extension that much better!

And if it makes you feel any better you are not the only old newbie here :) I'm in my 50s and just getting started as well.

I hear if you fail it could take weeks for them to come back out so I just wanted to better prepare for that initial inspection and what to expect and also, any issues before then.