Get at least three agents to give you an opinion of what you can get and what you could do to increase what you get.Few investor oriented lenders will lend on an owner occupied house.

Using sights like realtor.com and zillow also show sold properties.Tips for comping out property:*same town/ area or as close as possible if no recent properties to compare are showing up* find comps that have been sold in past 6 months(1 yr the latest if absolute necessary)*do not comp properties that have not been sold because the list price may be very far from the sale price *comp similar style homes* comp similar bed,bath and size

It is interesting to see the different styles.

I was really enjoying reading your progress, and I can say I really related to much of what you wrote (especially about your fears and trepidation), and loved your style of writing and your sense of humor. 

You could also try partnering with somebody or investing in notes or some other form of REI that may fit your investing style a bit better.

@Chai SagIn all of my "family oriented" houses it is MUCH easier AND I can get higher rent during the "may-aug) season because I don't have to lower the rent to stay competitive.

The good side of the fence is on my side, its an old style fence (bottom 2x4 horizontal instead of vertical like is done now) and it has a mud board so the bottom of the pickets is the weakest point.I have taked to the tenant quite a few times and suggested things they can do to keep the dogs away.

WMFHA is affiliated with the NAA (National Apartment Association) and is oriented to larger properties but has great events and education.Good hunting-

So, we did quite a bit of work there, besides cleaning and degreasing the kitchen literally for DAYS, we painted inside and out, replaced several expensive casement windows that had small leaks, updated most of the plumbing because it was a garish looking chrome and brass that was probably already going out of style when it was built, all new top of the line appliances, etc, etc.

If #1 is a brick townhouse or single story style with a shingle roof in good condition (for example) then it might be a better buy than a painted wood, flat tar-roofed bldg with apartments that are over/under. or if one has separately metered everything, and the other doesn't.That sort of stuff can make a big difference that doesn't show up immediately in the math