We will also finish up some renovation on our owner occupied house and pull a HELOC for an emergency fund and possible rental purchase fund.What are you looking to do, @Kristie Laufer? 

We keep a window unit in reserve to install in emergency situations.

I separately end that paragraph with: “Landlord encourages the use of email for all non-emergency communications or as a follow-up to emergency phone call(s)/message(s).”

The exception is if it's an emergency and then we can enter anytime. 

Hi Tiffany,I think any homeowner with a decent amount of equity should look into HELOC as an "emergency fund" option.

RoundUp and pre-emergent weed blockers/killers, and landscape fabric under crushed stone or river rock will be your friends for the landscaping work.Trash requires a bit more info.

As a financial planner, I generally recommend clients build up a personal emergency reserve before investing.

What’s a good rule of thumb to follow when starting a business or owning multiple properties for how much you should set cash aside to go towards the mortgage, expenses, emergencies and paying yourself?

We see a lot of non-performing notes in the Cook County area and the discounts are tempting but the picture that's emerging is explaining a lot of that.Are investors actively buying at the foreclosure sales?

Louis doesn’t align with your investment goals, consider other viable options such as expanding your portfolio in NJ, exploring emerging markets, or diversifying into commercial real estate.Feel free to reach out for more personalized advice and to explore the best financing options for your investment strategy.