Buying in a high COLA with loss protection is a no-brainer in my book, but only if you expect to relo again.

Having reasonable expectations, hiring a local professional (Realtor or PM), doing your research, and doing everything right (i.e. pro photos, professional design, good renovation, proper amenities and location, etc) are the keys to success in 2025.

W2 and 1099 income, 2 kids, renting, and 1 rental.At what point does it make sense to hire tax help and how much should that expect to pay?

People house hacking have far different expectations than someone buying properties with cash. 

Quote from @Devin James: Quote from @Dominic Mazzarella: Quote from @Devin James: Everything went wrong with this investment:   - Took 4 months longer than expected   - Cost $10K more to build than we anticipated   - Sold for $20K less than we anticipatedWe still profited with a 30% return on equityThis is why I love Real Estate InvestingWhen you do your diligence and stay conservative with your numbers, it takes something really bad to lose money.Here was the original post:My siblings and I are building a home in North Port, FL.Here are the numbers: - Finished Home Value: $412Kish - Land Cost: $19,750.39 - Construction & Permitting Costs: $304,897Additional costs: - Environmental Site Assessment - General Liability Insurance - Builders Risk Insurance - Construction FinancingWe will be listing the home this weekPhotos coming soon!! 

I've owned a 6-unit for about 6 months now, and the water/sewer bill is higher than expected.

That's just straight up Bull-S%#t. 

With property insurers’ profitability and trade combined ratios improving, we can expect some relief soon.

Have a clear understanding of your expected cash flow, ROI, and exit strategy.

I wouldn't consider it a heavy negative unless the street is super tight and parking is hard to come by or if the street is very steep/busy.The more desirable dense city neighborhoods it's almost kind of expected and off street parking would be considered a luxury rather than a necessity.If you get out into the suburbs I would say it's more of a big deal since more rentals have off street parking or a garage there.