Low and behold, now they want us to put down another $40,000; the seller wants another $5,000 added to EM and seller's agent wants their commission of $4,000.Do the math: 190,000 + 15,000 + 25,000 + 4,000 + 4,000 (our agent) + 40,000 = $278,000 for a fixer upper.

Others are exploring different real estate asset classes all together.Notice in that chart in the link above, today's trend isn't too different from how things looked basically until 2010.

@Chris Lin not sure where else you own properties, but all their fees are what is normal for the Metro Detroit area.We have heard some PMCs offer lower fees in other parts of the country, but from what we've researched, these only apply to Class A properties - which are REAL easy to manage.We actually charge LESS than average to manage Class A rentals in our market.

.- They often get sold Class C or D properties while using Class A assumptions - then wonder why they are losing money.Here's some copy & paste info that you hopefully find helpful:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

In this range, you can find duplexes in C-Class neighborhoods in Columbus, such as Linden and Hilltop.

I’ve taken a million classes, read a million books and countless meetups but I know the best way to learn is by doing.

Quote from @Diane Pizarro: @Sarah Kensinger do you mind if I ask which mastermind class you took?

Beyond real estate investing, BiggerPockets Money has great episodes on how to avoid the middle class trap with your investments - ie how to structure your investment best so that they're not all locked up in accounts with penalties until you're 65. 

And is it something you see yourself sticking with long-term, or do you plan on exploring other asset classes?

We then try to form a well diversified portfolio across sponsors, asset class, geography, risk profile etc.