Here are a few strategies that might help:- Leverage Industry Benchmarks: Many investors use a percentage of gross rental income as a quick estimate for operating expenses.

Why would you take your cash, and spend it on a property you don't need to spend it on, instead of using that cash to increase your properties,...and income.

Id like to enjoy another stream of income to eventually phase out my day job, so that I can focus on acquiring commercial properties as well as a business or 3.  

Market fundamentals to consider: population growth, average income, median home price and average rent, crime rate.

If you lose your source of primary income, do you have enough cash to make it through the crisis? 

@Dan PoratI am looking block by block at the household income and agree with D to C depending on exact address.

Westchester, although one of the hottest markets, has a ton of upside with opportunities for both cash-flow and equity. 2-4 family properties in Westchester are the 2nd most affordable in the NYC Metropolitan area (next to Suffolk County) making it easier to find cashflow opportunities when compared to the boroughs and other suburbs like Nassau.A client of ours in Westchester recently purchased a < $800K 2-family with a detached 3-car garage which brings in additional rental income - from a local business owner with commercial vehicles.

A property manager should always account for both income and expenses—you’re the owner, and you have a right to see exactly where your money is going.It almost sounds like he thinks he’s doing you a favor instead of working on your behalf.

Secure income from a thriving business as well.

To analyze deals efficiently, focus on key metrics like cash flow, cap rate, and expense ratios—make sure rental income covers mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance while hitting your 6% cap rate target.