Not having them can create issues when selling later.Over-improving for the Neighborhood – Be mindful of your area’s home values so you don’t invest more than you can recoup.Ignoring Structural & Mechanical Issues – While cosmetic updates are fun, addressing foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems first will save headaches down the road.For the best return on investment, focus on:Kitchen & Bathrooms – These are the biggest value-adds for a home.

Quote from @Jordan Wilkerson: Hi Greg, can you connect with me this group as well.DM me and provide an email address

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Those are very very important to run the property cost-efficiently. 

That book was exactly what I need to hear as it addressed a point both me and my boss agree with regarding Rich Dad, Poor Dad which is, RDPD does well to help you view money differently, but it doesn't give you a starting point.

After I did find the coverage I am getting notifications from the insurer that a long litany of minor issues must be addressed (at almost every house). 

I’ve seen cases where multiple tenants in a household had prior evictions from different addresses, taking turns as the primary leaseholder to avoid detection.

I agree with everyone above that there are more efficient ways to turn FF leads into residents.We use Avail.co (not "dot com") to manage our rentals.

With retirement in five years, your focus should be on balancing cash flow, risk, and tax efficiency.

Quote from @Nate Sanow: Yes I own two that are near 100 years old and I will tell you they are a pain in the you know what compared to all of my post WW2 properties especially post 1980… layouts are better in the last 50 years and energy efficiency is better and I can keep going… HOWEVER to reply to the other aspect of your question, I’ve found appreciation is better with older properties in areas of the path of progress.