Which reminds me that I should mention that I’m not opposed to living a not-so-luxurious lifestyle in the short run.

Remind them that this means they can't get any more pets.

Remind your spouse that the "Vision" is not written in permanent ink.

We also have to remind ourselves that real estate is for the long run, meaning a D class neighborhood today could be a B class neighborhood in a few years. 

That property is now a reliable source of rental income and a constant reminder that success starts with taking action, learning on the fly, and embracing challenges head-on.

Hey @Chris GarnesI just came across your post, and it immediately reminded me of a project I handled with a colleague in San Diego, Dennis Bragg - https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3607  - You’re sitting on some serious potential with these two properties, and your plan to step back from construction while finishing them makes total sense.For Home 1, with no mortgage and a prime design upgrade underway, you’ve got flexibility that most investors would envy.

I would thank him for his feedback and share that you made a business decision that is mutually beneficial (https://www.avail.co/education/articles/should-you-collect-r...scroll down towards the bottom of the page to see the comparison) which includes providing the tenant with a receipt and rent reminders.  

I’m reminded of a buddy of mine who moved from Brooklyn to Scottsdale.. he initially thought the desert was just cacti and scorching heat, but soon realized there’s a thriving market here with pockets of real oportuntiy.Working with an investor who’s ready to spec build is a fantastic way to dive in.

Document the condition of the property thoroughly before they leave, and remind them that their security deposit hinges on the place being left in good condition.

My expectation is to keep some cash in each deal, but still aim to maximize how much I can refinance out to make the numbers work.I’ve been cautious about setting my expectations too high, and I appreciate the reminder to focus on deals that work rather than chasing perfection.