We’re fortunate to have an above-average income and live well below our means.This summer, we’ll be moving to Detroit (PCSing in August), and we’ve saved about $120,000 to invest in addition to having funds set aside for the home we’ll purchase in Detroit.The reason I’m posting is that I’m struggling to decide how to best allocate the $120k.

Brace yourself because it is going to be expensive. 

I am in the Palm Bay, FL area and bought an SFR 3/2 for 220k.  30% down, 6.375% rate, and after all expenses, with a property management company, it should cash flow roughly 175/month. 

If things go sideways, you discovery greater rehab expenses, the market takes a turn for the worse, you can get in the red quickly. 

You also have to think the longer that tenant is in it, there will probably be some more expenses when you sell. 

This is the BEST $100 you will ever spend, and if you listen to Amanda Han's tax book, you'll know it's also likely a business expense for you to write off :) https://biggerpockets.supercast.com/My perfect way to learn from the BP books is to listen to the audio book through the subscription above, then books that really stand out to me I go old school and get the physical copy so that I can re-read it, take notes in the margins, and put post it notes so key points are easier for me to re-reference in the future.

NOI Underwriting Methodology: NRI and EGI, real estate taxes, operating expense underwriting rules of thumb, replacement reserves, appraiser’s impact on lender underwriting, expense comps, etc.10. 

We're an appreciation market, not as much of a cash flow market here, unless you're putting a large down payment or actively managing STR's.Buying out-of-state can get you more cash flow, but the tradeoff is less appreciation (usually), and cash flow can be eaten up by maintenance and expenses.

AL has the second lowest property tax rate in the US allowing you to keep your operating expenses at a minimum. 

While RentRedi is great for property management, here are some other options to consider:Excel/Google Sheets: A simple, customizable way to track property details, upgrades, expenses, and maintenance.Trello: Good for organizing tasks and progress on specific properties.