((Basically a "Loft" layout, but enclosing half the upstairs -to be a more private upstairs bedroom with it's own toilet & sink))....

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

The second of two homes I bought when I sold the rental, I would have bought a more expensive one as the one I got was close to the university and tended to attract students which had higher turn over (though it may also be my local market).I'd also look up how to do a 1031 (I think that is what it's called, I'm not in the US) where you defer capital gains taxes on rentals by buying another within a set period of time.

Property Age and Condition: Older properties may require a more significant reserve due to higher maintenance needs, while newer ones may allow you to taper off sooner.Understand your portfolio: I look at my portfolio as a whole and calculate a number I am comfortable with.

It’s also a more intimate relationship.

Anybody know of a more affordable company or work around?

Ultimately, this isn’t just a moral question; it’s about ensuring clear, documented terms to avoid issues down the line.

We gutted the interior down to the cinder blocks, re-designed the unit layout to fit a more modern lifestyle.

However, if you have a more extensive portfolio or plan to become larger in the next year or two, I would look for a double-entry system that allows bank reconciliations.

@James Caruso the plan is to continue to grow in size thus allowing me to hire a more full time staff.