Having an electrician/plumber do it will cost a lot more.Pro tip: If it's a lot of pipe/wire, you could consider piling it into a trailer or similar and taking it in to a scrap place.

Some potential drawbacks to keep in mind are:Additional closing and loan origination costs (two transactions/mortgages instead of one) - speak to your lender and title company about costsTwo insurance policies instead of one - probably close to double the insurance cost as compared to a duplex - get a quote from a good insurance agent and compareTwo sets of property taxes instead of oneThese certainly aren't deal killers, and the benefits noted above may outweigh the disadvantages.

If for some reason I can't figure it out, I know it will cost a minimum of $100 to have a repairman come out so for most appliances I can get a decent replacement for $100 - $150 (front load washer, glass top stove, ect).

Only when needing the lower rate to qualify for the loan. 4.65% is very low, consider we did investing for decades with 10% money.Homes usually are held for 7 to 10 years, so your savings on interest is limited and it's tax deductible to boot. 1-your tax rate times the interest rate is your real after tax cost. A

@Dan LieffortUpgrading to an HVAC/ Central Air isn't a necessity, but renters want them.Window units are extremely inefficient and cost a ton to run the majority of the time.In my multis I get more money per unit 100% of the time.As far as cost goes I would just get a couple of GC's/ AC guys and go with who you trust to do the work, has competitive pricing, etc. and keep your tenets happy.I can refer you to people if you need.

If the tenant is likely long term I wound split the cost as they offered but that's a subjective decision.  

Its the name of the game to get some cash flow started unfortunately in Costa Mesa the rent to price ratios are really out of wack.What areas were you looking at?

We could have just given him a 30-day notice to terminate the lease and finish at that once we knew he was problematic.The fixes required to get the condo in shape were above $200 which is the threshold over which they are required by contract to get my approval and they didn't.Some of the repairs done to the condo were performed poorly and cost a lot.In general, I know I did a bad job of keeping on eye on them but I feel that the way they have been managing my condo was negligent at best.

Michael or Bob at Swaine & Harris P.A. is likely the best firm in FL, they cost a bit more up front but I highly recommend them because you'll save a lot of money on the back.

For me, I think we're nearing a top and I'm not as interested in acquiring new properties (at a higher cost) as I am paying off the ones I already have.