That is another intangible asset that we are inadvertently growing.From LLC formation, to working with builders, to understanding what the city is doing, to learning the multiple layers of lending, we have automatically built relationships and a foundation of knowledge that we wouldn't have gotten in the same way through other routes.We have definitely continued to see land appreciation, which is worth mentioning.  

If your average heating bill is $150, you may not collect enough in the winter months when the bill reaches $225 but you'll collect extra in the summer when it drops to $65.

Kind of like a buyer broker I did not have to worry about them going around me extra.

It also allows gives you greater flexibility.Plus, once you flip the home and make a few dollars, you should be able to pay the HELOC to a zero balance as well as having extra funds to throw in your war chest.

I'm sure people would pay extra for some kind of "meal prep/private chef" type package in their living situation.You've got the right idea thought, but don't be afraid to reach...nothing wrong with dropping your price after a couple weeks if you don't get any interest.  

But with the second home the $600 in extra rental income is enough to pay towards an equity loan.

Layer on the ability to invest the funds that otherwise would go towards the down payment and transactional costs and you likely come out ahead in such a short term horizon renting.

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.

They like extra room to avoid accidents, etc....Just my $0.02....

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.