@Tyler RasmussenUnless you forgo your commission - it will be considered taxable to you.

One HUGE downside to keeping a primary residence as a rental is if you have significant capital gains then you could be forgoing your exception of 250k (single) or 500k (married) on a residence that has been your primary 2 of the last 5 years. 

There should be a clear profit + fudge factor minimum that you use for go/no go decision, but you need to factor in all of the tangible, and intangible variables.

I have always been of the belief that a contractor deserves a markup on material for going through the trouble of ensuring timely ordering, delivery, transport and exchanges/returns which is inevitable.

I have no need for this service myself, but now that I have been thinking about it I can not move on.Sorry I messed with your mind there Rick, like an old song stuck in your head I guess...

In my opinion, a persons "why" is the reason for going through the most toughest situations and appreciate every victory (both big and small).I know the biggest motivation of course is money and fancial security, but is there any deeper reason that has helped you get started or grow to the level you've reached over the years?

In fact, the first time she did my return, she made all the adjusting entries that I had been unsuccessfully asking my previous accountant for, going back to 2008. 

As for going about it alone.

Originally posted by @Christopher Montgomery: I was wondering can you forgo the earnest money deposit with a solid proof of funds letterThanks again for the article I do not leave EMD with my sellers.

dont talk to michael. his suave voice will make you sell all your houses for a song. :)btw, i am thinking of around 500 letters to start with too.