That way you wouldn't need an extra policy.

Going direct saves you and the seller money, giving you a lower cost to entry which helps all your numbers, but you have to put in the extra work to find that deal.

I'm also working on a Google Data Analyst certification to bring in some extra income while I'm home with our 19-month-old daughter.I'm still pretty new to this, though, and I'm not sure where to start or if I'm on the right track.

Class C and D areas/properties will always cash flow better on paper, but on paper things like extra repairs, turnover, evictions and such are often not taken into account. 

I ASSUME you’re talking $400+ in extra expenses for providing water, power, sewer, gas, internet, communal area cleaning, and exterior maintenance.

It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

Before you close, can the rent from your buddy and the midterm tenant cover your mortgage, taxes, insurance, plus a bit extra?

If appreciation is slow and steady, and no extra liquidity is available, the basic fundamentals of personal finance do catch up to this investor.

The quotes were only a few hundred dollars extra annually.

With an extra vacancy or a maintenance issue or an extra turnover, this is definitely a negative cash flow producing investment.So when you say the rent growth and value growth have exceeded your expectations, I would love to have you respond as to how that is possibly the case.