This would add significant value since 4-5 unit properties trade for 50-60% over our current basis. 

Trade cards and follow up with everyone you meet. 

I haven't seen a discussion about this on the forums yet, and figured I'd start the conversation.In case you missed the news this week, billions in trade came to a screeching halt at U.S.

Investors should fully understand that Section 8 is not a cure-all for Class C & D tenant challenges, it's just trading one set of problems for another.We see too many investors not doing enough research to fully understand all this and making naïve investing decisions.

S8 is a tool, nothing more and all an owner is doing is trading one set of challenges for another. 

Would love for you to come out and network with other local investors, meet some of the trades and see if you can make some connections to help you get started. 

What might help you for the next attempt is to read (BP's book written by yours truly--The Hands Off Investor), and network (join a community where investors discuss deals, trade advice and observations--coming soon will be Passive Pockets, an offshoot of BiggerPockets which recently acquired the popular passive investing group Left Field Investors).

If you are okay with the trade-off of paying 20-30% in management fees with less tax savings for a more passive investment, then management companies may be a good option for you.

To break this down...To get the benefit of REPS, it is a two part test.1) more than 50% of hours AND over 750 hours in real property trades or businesses. spouses cannot combine time to meet these thresholds, one spouse must hit this on their own.

So before you get ready to attempt to rip your Landlord a new one, first go take it up with the local taxing authority, then go have it out with the insurance industry, then gripe to the neighborhood HOA (if applicable), then maybe settle your disputes with Home Depot/Lowes and any and all trade contractors.