Hey @Brad Roche - We do a significant amount of renovation loans (both Fannie May & FHA) here in Chicago and prefer the Homestyle loan only because it's less stringent on the borrow about what they have to repair, and they provide the general contractor a material draw at closing which helps the project start on the right foot.I thought the minimum down payment was 5%.

-- We focus on verifying 2-year work history and verifying rent payments with last 2 landlords (unless in same property for 5+ years).3) MoveIn Specials: be careful with offering "free rent" as will just attract tenants with no cash.-- Try free TV or something else worth 25-50% of one month of rent.-- Or, what we do is offer the free rent AFTER & ONLY if they pay their first 3 months of rent on time to earn it.4) Lower the rent 5% every 2-4 weeks until activity picks up.5) Understand this is the worst time of year to find tenants.-- Starts picking back up end of February when this tenant pool starts getting their income tax refunds and aren't broke anymore.6) Section 8: where is the property being advertised?

I knew these units needed a renovation and I am excited to get them rehabbed and get more juice to squeeze from them.The one I am currently doing will profit me another 200-225/m moreThe one that is vacant the 31st of this month will profit 400-450/m more which is no small amount. 

I already have land holdings near Everett that will certify out at 304 salable density bonus credits.To play this game, I get certified and then "clip off" the transferable development rights for sale to urban developers in the county, who can cash them in for an increase in dwelling unit density from an original 22 units/acre to 58 units, and building heights from 45' to 75'.

Using the appropriate amount of lights and mirrors is a pretty low-cost way to really make the space feel custom.Unique tile installation patterns such as vertical stacked or herringbone.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Negative cash flow with high HOA fees is a red flag.

If I leave this amount in Sch-E, I get taxed at ordinary income tax rate at Federal and State level, which along with my regular W2 income can be substantial.

Typically those purchasing cash aren't inspecting every home, they're walking it or having their go to GC walk it and already know what they see that may be a concern. 

Welcome to the community and be ready for a huge amount of information at your finger tips.