Have a gentle but firm conversation with the neighbor, let them know what you intend to do with the property, what your expectations are of him and what his expectations can be of you (even if it’s just about parking).Hopefully this two steps will go a long way to resolve any future issues that are similar to this.All the best.

I’m not gonna lie, she had to twist my arm to even think about real estate investing but after binging podcast after podcast I’M HOOKED!!

Strange twist... gave her a call to ask if she was able to send docs to show actual numbers by the end of the day and she explained that tenants are not on lease agreements but rather hand shake month to month understandings.

Before you call, you might need to get on a ladder and (gently) check a corner or an edge - sometimes a new roof gets installed over an existing roof, so you might have two layers of shingles. 

To add another twist to this, it seems that Real Estate Licensees get special consideration as rental activities including acquisition, sale, and management of those rental properties may be considered NON PASSIVE (active) due to the professional occupation. -- I am a real estate broker.

(about not writing a letter.)Thanks for the gentle reminder that real-estate is ultimately about relationships!

Look at the big picture and quit trying to twist things around.

Your risk tolerance is different from mine or anyone else on this forum so take advise with your own twist.

I have found, however, if I take the time to gently move her towards more risk and show her the numbers then she is more willing to embrace the risk - aside from risking anything regarding this one house we paid off.

Yes occasionally you can find something with a twist that might break even but generally it will be illegal in some way or unsustainable.However other parts of NZ are definitely do-able.