The main property will be my primary residence.My biggest question is, what kind of foundation would you use, (that is to code and will pass inspection/permits in Charlottesville) that is either relatively easy DIY or cheap to outsource.

5K rent seems cheap for the area so I would continue with that.

I'm just gradually deleveraging, this next time by likely buying all in cash, and continuing to not lever my properties until cap rates are lower than interest rates... unless I can get cheap and low leverage debt through assumption.

Where we live housing prices are relatively cheap compared to if the house was in a different location.

We have cable or YouTube TV.Can't be cheap on this.We even advertise if someone else isn't offering cable channels what else are they cutting corners on?

So, he made an average of about $20,000 per loan for pushing a pencil and a cheap paper.

So if you let your buddies stay there one weekend for cheap, you still have to get two other guests during December.Clarification: the test for personal use days is more complicated.

This tends to be the issue with these lower cost homes, unless you buy them very very cheap.

Chicago is still pretty cheap in comparison. 

Umbrella insurance is crazy cheap for the benefit, and it already requires you max out your liability on your other covered items.