These big-ticket items will still need replacement eventually, and having a reserve fund helps avoid financial surprises.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

That’s okay, just accept the risk of a “surprise”. 

But to my surprise I have averaged an occupancy from 87% to 97% from October to now It looks like in this final "slow" month I have a 97% Occupancy rate (just shy of 100%) which just brought a tear to my eye because I was so happy that the research paid off, if I went into this blind who knows what would have happened. 

However, if you have the time and prefer to source properties on your own, I would highly recommend the following strategies:Connect with probate attorneysVisit property auctions: These happen monthly and, surprisingly, aren’t saturated with investors.Cold callingTarget LLC owned properties: Over the years we have seen an influx of companies purchasing SF for rentals/long-term holds and they failed to account for property taxes and an increase in new construction coming to the market.

The more transparent and detailed the documents, the fewer surprises on both sides.

To their surprise, bookings actually ticked up a bit.You dont have to highlight every detail of your exterior if it’s not your property’s strongest suit.

Surprisingly it is one of the very few cabins in the area on public sewer and not on septic.

Hi real estate friends,My wife and I recently bought our first home in Co springs area close to garden of the gods and other attractions in the area. to no surprise our interest rate is a whooping 7.1%, the main house has 4 - BD 2 B. our mortgage is $4009. the property we bought has an attached dwelling unit on the side of it, completely independent from the main unit we live in, we are currently renting it out for 2 years for a tenant for $1545, It has one bedroom one bath.My question is what are some ways to scale especially since in the current market (is kind of almost impossible)?

We are invested with a couple other operators as well as BAM, and I have to agree with Ivans position, its the tortoise vs. the hare....The overall proof is in the exit and I dont see that for a few years - but have been surprised before.