Perhaps he runs negative cash flow while repaying the purchase loan or there is something I missed so my math didn't add up properly.  

People wanting to be wealthy know better.I have a unit that cash flows a NEGATIVE $700+ a month.

My underwriting would have this large negative cash flow for 7 years.I would do a thorough underwriting but want to show using quick math the issue so I will use the 50% rule.  

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

It's like putting your life into net negative before you are trending enough into financial positive.

I’ve handled almost every aspect of renovations myself—plumbing, tiling, painting, drywall, and general construction.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

i'd pick a market close by, or that you have a personal connection to, or that you visit often.chasing cash flow by itself can lead to negative outcomes - for example, these investors bought in supposed "cash flow" markets:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...hope this helps.

There was quite a bit of unused land and the zoning gave me some flexibility if I wanted to expand various aspects of the property.Also the self storage units were all below market rent and the seller was willing to finance at a decent rate with a 5 year balloon.

What some people on BP don't seem to understand is to stop making the assumption that everyone is not working their best at thisif you have to provide negative comments or any sort of negativity when providing advice, then advice or recommendations shouldn't be your fortéAs i mentioned before.