So your super basic P&L may look like: $30,000 Rents-$3,000 insurance expense -$9,000 interest-$3,000 taxes-$8,000 operating expenses-$14,000 depreciation ----------------$7,000 loss on paper for the year  so negative taxable income But remember- $14k of that (depreciation) was something we didn't actually spend money on- so cash in bank at year end would be $7,000. 

Need to spend some quality time roaming around here to get a feel for it.Tony

Not sure what ($139.11) Wall plate covers $1.62 Garage door balance $1,185.01 Cheap paint brushes $3.89 Drywall anchors $8.21 Door finishing $1,400.00 Wall plate covers $5.48 Shelve brackets and air filters $60.58 Stair refinish $560.00 Door handles-dummy $41.30 Door handles-dummy, angle finder, Paint for countertops $123.40 Front door handle $152.55 Door finishing $350.00 Window balance $10,993.20 Landscape lighting $246.15 Fixing exterior lights and plugs in office $150.00 Door stops and towel hanger $20.83 Ring doorbell $65.84 Light bulbs for chandelier $43.88 Hanging chandelier $49.00 Hanging chandelier $462.50 Vent cover $19.68 Gutter extender $6.16 Mailbox $447.21 Landscaping-Wanderwolfs $119.63 Landscaping $932.88 Gutter extender, 2x emerald green $110.43 Pebbles/mulch $86.54 Paver $125.12 Landscaping $521.31 Landscaping, gutter pop up $403.93 Landscaping-adjustment for 20% discount ($89.78) Beach pebbles, garden staples, Insect killer $135.59 Emerald Greens $72.94 Pebbles/mulch $100.06 Returned Festuca grass ($16.64) Mulch $11.49 Paver $41.71 Mulch $10.38 Front tree $900.15 Fence $5,690.00 Fence stain $667.05 encapsulation $3,165.63

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

And how much would you have to spend in order to get market rents?  

So, why is McDonalds still spending billions on advertising?

Obviously if your portfolio is smaller you should spend less.

Less oversupply with that product type and more renters that were renting the more expensive bigger cabins are choosing the lesser ones because they love the area but don't want to spend as much on rent.We've talked with several long time investors out there and there isn't a one that have held on to their cabins over time that aren't still adding more. 

If they have, you extend that time to 6 months from date of death.On top of that, every month you delay buying the house, the loan balance is going to increase. 

Where to spend the extra for durability and sometimes having to sacrifice aesthetics for durability, etc.