Quote from @David Epstein: I everyone, I know this is an older thread, but I'm also now getting into properties in the Albany area and am in need of a CPA with real estate tax knowledge for advance planning.

You could also get a line of credit for about $150k (you should be able to borrow 75% of the value.)The reason I suggest this is…1) you save $40-$60k in selling costs. 2) you have a lower blended interest rate (2/3rds at 3.25% and 1/3rd at 7 or 8% instead of the whole $500k at 7 or 8%) saving you another $1k/mo in interest. 3) you only pay interest on that $150k when you actually use it, not from day 1  Unless you hate this property, or want to buy something you can’t afford without selling, that would be my plan.

Would you help is wedding coordinating/planning or just rent the space out?

I know I can get an insurance plan, but is it worth the headache?

In order to do this you need to have deal flow and you need to know 1) How to recognize a good, profitable deal, 2) How to put together funds quickly to buy the deal before someone else does and in such a way where you are protected and the deal is protected, 3) How to run the project so that you follow the budget and don't overspend or overbuild, 4) How to attract an end buyer or a renter and which documents to use to protect yourself and the buyer, 5) If you are going to keep the property then you need to know how to set up the property from the start to best help you in the refinance later, and 6) You need to know how you are planning on managing the property from the beginning in order to make sure it will be profitable at the end.

And yes, there is a risk that your rates would go up or they can drop you - but unfortunately, many insurers in that are may already be planning to exit the market or raise rates on everyone to make up for loses.One thing to note about a claim like this, insurance will usually pay for repairs to the damage caused by the problem, but not fixing the actual pipe that broke.

The struggle comes when you plan to sell, pay close attention to how the bank would treat the loan in the event you would sell.Even though its a bit more work, banks are typically open to these loans as it provides them with additional collateral in the event of default.  

She informed me that she & her sisters plan to take care of the rent so he still has the home when he gets out of the hospital. 

Also, set clear expectations with tenants upfront so they know how to handle issues like maintenance requests.How do you plan on finding all your contractors?

As I settle into the new year with my game plan Im curious to know what Margins investors are looking to receive in this market.