If you're using a HELOC, I assume this will be based on the value of your primary residence.

You don't have a great case for a tax appeal here because it looks like it was upped based on the renovation and improvements done prior to you buying it.

Obviously if you acquire your deals based on this assumption and ended up operating better than it's more money in your pocket. 

It was a while ago and I was able to have the fee reimbursed I believe, but I have a US based manager from VRBO so it was not too painful a process.

I am based in Texas and I understand that there is a lot of affordable duplexes in Westmoreland County for a low as $90,000 on Zillow.If you are looking to House Hack like @Madison Stoner  I recommend you interview some local Investor Minded Real Estate Agent and hire the one you feel most comfortable with.

You’re on the right track, and it’s a solid strategy to start with long-term rentals to build a stable income base.

Many small businesses that are home based need a business mailing address and the use of meeting space and an occasional office. 

Nearby suburbs like Lakewood, Rocky River, and Fairview Park also offer solid investment potential with generally good stability and demand.For employers, Cleveland Clinic is a strong presence but hasn’t significantly gentrified the surrounding area.

@Chris Kittle make sure you understand the Class of the property, so you can use appropriate vacancy + tenant nonperformance percentages.We recommend:Class A 5%Class B 10%Class C 20%Of course, we base this on our Metro Detroit market, so you may want to validate for the market for this property.

If anything else, being a side hustle investor helped me be a better agent, not vice versa.All that said - start with your short, medium, and long-term goals, map it out and then take action based on that!