Quote from @Collin Hays: From a macro standpoint, cash flow is difficult when servicing debt, at least in the early years. 

Whether we agree with these items or not, the following are inflationary government policies: stimulus, student debt relief, tariffs, increased child tax credits, limited immigration, and big government deficit spending.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

no debt? 

Everything in the article makes total sense...wealth building helps through appreciation and debt paydown over time.It makes sense that chicago suburbs with strong school districts perform the best. 

Additionally, I mentioned that I had sent them a small holiday gift card as a token of appreciation (which I send to all of my tenants) and wished their family a peaceful and warm holiday season.Your insights helped me craft a response that balanced kindness with maintaining boundaries, and I truly appreciate it.

You divide that $20k by .075 and you get a boost of $260k to the valuation.Allowing you to take the property back to the bank, get a new loan with $208k of additional debt on the property, pay yourself back that investment and now you have enough cash to buy a $1M deal and use that strategy over and over while scaling exponentially.

And if they are in low value markets maybe they have zero debt..

Everyone knows about that, so I’ll move along.There’s also the big heart…minus the Jesus fish on the sleeve or the cards.

Helps with your debt to income, better opportunities at cash flow, and typically requires less down to purchase.In regards to challenges, I usually build in an extra 10-15% to deal with things that I can't see behind the walls, including dry rot, electrical or plumbing issues, etc.