As soon as your tenants shows you they are bad - CUT.

Taking applications online and screening them will cut down on the number of "lookers" you get.

We didn't qualify for the jumbo loan so the previous owner carried back 95k of the loan which we eventually moved over to a HELOC in order to cut ties with the previous owner.

If you're just starting out would you worry about this as I want to come out the gate cutting as much cost as possible.

Cut your teeth and make sure you can handle an investment before making plans to buy the next one.

There are some skills that I suggest every homeowner learns in order to avoid high repair bills (in order I usually do them):-Fix minor roof leaks & repair siding/exterior-Fix water supply leaks with compression fittings or hose clamps if needed-Install lights, replace bad receptacles, switches, or breakers-Install electric water heater if needed-Fix subfloor & sturdy up framing if needed-Fix/replace windows/doors/glass and install locks-Drywall/mud, brush&roll paint-Install floor (floating/tile) and cut/install trim-Install toilets/sinks/cabinets/faucets-install mini split units if no functioning ductwork

You won't get mush with that.Ther are no short cuts to success.

To many corners cut that cost time and money.

Taxes/ year: $3,002,  Insurance: $1,573,  Trash/ year: $654,   Electric/ year (exterior lights): $420,   Water/ year: $1,200 sewer/ year: $1,500,   Spray for bugs/ prevention: $311/ year,    Lawn cutting/ year: $640,   Misc (furnace filters/ 9v batteries): $250I have gotten mixed reviews back from my colleagues when they go over these numbers with me.

They fund, I run the business, I make my cut.