Oh and don't buy fancy expensive cars save that money.   

The kitchen has become a place to showcase counters, cabinets, islands, appliances, fancy accessories like pulldown shelves, cabinet handles, lighting, etc.

They are so focused on upselling youYou know the routine — you’re invited to a free seminar to learn about a new method of real estate investing, and the presenter or guru teases you with tidbits but offers nothing substantial.

We pay $110 per month for routine maintenance. 

For example:General-Filters (furnace, air conditioning, oven exhaust, refrigerator, and water)-Stove burner when the “eye” needs simple replacement-Batteries and remotes that service the premises-Fan and light pull strings-Smoke and carbon alarms testing and batteries-Ensuring appliances are properly plugged in, hooked up, and used-Removing dirt, debris, and lint in and from connection pipes (e.g. clothes dryer)-Tighten loose screws on all home functions (e.g. doors, hinges, handles, socket -Balancing off-balance appliances-Cable, internet, and phone jacks-Fire extinguishers-Systems operation (e.g. security, irrigation, HVAC)HVAC-Monthly A/C filter and drain line maintenance Electrical-Reset “tripped” GFI breakers-Light bulbs (throughout and at the end of the tenancy)-Blown fuses-Reset breakers in the outside and inside breaker boxes-Socket and plug outlet coversPlumbing-Unclog drains or toilets-Caulking around tubs and showers as needed-Gas pilot lighting-Leaky faucets and shower heads-Toilet flappers, handles, seats and seat lids, tank lid, and flush kit-Sink and tub stoppers-If septic tank present, use RID-X as directed on consumer box-Proper cleaning of garbage disposal-Loose faucets and sprayer heads and hoses-Faucet filters (i.e. aerator)-Open exterior plumbing clean out when necessary (e.g. sewage backup)Exterior-Routine lawn (and pool) maintenance-Adjusting sprinkler heads as necessary-On the last month of tenancy, tenant must perform required lawn maintenance no sooner than 2 days prior to vacate dateThere’s a lot to consider as a landlord.

If you, (or anyone) would ever want me to model out a 1,3,5 year scenario with multiple options, that's a routine part of our planning process.

Instead, they miss the cloth or aluminum wiring and poor circuit allocation and instead show you with their fancy plug that "polarity is reversed"; or the always arbitrary "the roof likely only has 5 more years left max" because they see a 3-tab shingle from the ground and completely miss hail/wind damage on a newer architectural shingle citing its "lifetime warranty".

They claim to have done routine inspections, but I was never informed of this water intrusion issue.

Depending on the demographics of the area, I've found that Home Depot/Lowes is fine for just about anything going in a regular rental.One must consider return on investment and buying fancy custom cabinets won't yield much if any more rent that box store shaker cabinets, especially in a duplex.Get some decent cabinets and a good countertop and you should be good to go.

My goals with REI is to generate as much cashflow and appreciation as possible, so I can get out of the 9-5 routine, build wealth for my future, and have as much time for myself as possible.Is Southern California a tough market for beginners?