We keep a window unit in reserve to install in emergency situations.

The exception is if it's an emergency and then we can enter anytime. 

I separately end that paragraph with: “Landlord encourages the use of email for all non-emergency communications or as a follow-up to emergency phone call(s)/message(s).”

Hi Tiffany,I think any homeowner with a decent amount of equity should look into HELOC as an "emergency fund" option.

As a financial planner, I generally recommend clients build up a personal emergency reserve before investing.

RoundUp and pre-emergent weed blockers/killers, and landscape fabric under crushed stone or river rock will be your friends for the landscaping work.Trash requires a bit more info.

What’s a good rule of thumb to follow when starting a business or owning multiple properties for how much you should set cash aside to go towards the mortgage, expenses, emergencies and paying yourself?

Louis doesn’t align with your investment goals, consider other viable options such as expanding your portfolio in NJ, exploring emerging markets, or diversifying into commercial real estate.Feel free to reach out for more personalized advice and to explore the best financing options for your investment strategy. 

We recently found a licensed contractor reasonable enough that we now call him for things that aren't an emergency, initially saved us thousands off management's estimate for repairs due to a break-in during a turnover (apparently management calls an outside contractor to quote potential insurance claim repairs, and he was beyond ridiculously expensive).

We see a lot of non-performing notes in the Cook County area and the discounts are tempting but the picture that's emerging is explaining a lot of that.Are investors actively buying at the foreclosure sales?