Our handyman team of 2 are moving out of state after working with us for almost 18 years to start/continue their real estate investment journey in a more affordable state. 

For a $1,500 SD, they would most likely ensure an amount close to $2,700.From my perspective, we should never move in a tenant who cannot afford their security deposit.

That two-day delay cost him a $40,000 payday.The Lesson: Don’t Let Time Kill Your DealsReal estate is a fast-paced industry, and time is the one resource you can’t afford to waste.

My rents are high at $6300 per 3BR unit so I guess the risk is if economy goes south and no one can afford the high rents.     

In our case, avoiding a buyer's commission seems to be potentially helpful with negotiations, especially since we are purchasing below what we can afford, and can pay up front for RE attorney, buyer RE fees, etc.

I also invest in other assets such as stocks, and private companies as well. for RE agents I see absolutely no conflict.. its their job.. not every agent starting out can afford to buy a rental.. and note very agent even wants to own a rental ( like me) I only like to deal in land when I sold RE to the public .

Affordable price point and rents for more than 1% of purchase price How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Given that affordable housing is a national issue it seems that the more pathways to home ownership is a good thing.

Last summer, we finally decided we weren’t going to be able to afford to rehab the house in Indiana and we were tired of driving an hour every time the grass needed mowing.

Most of the easy "lipstick on a pig" transformations are gone - you're often looking at more serious rehabs to make the numbers work.That said, we do have some advantages: strong rental market (lots of students, young professionals), still relatively affordable deals, and good appreciation potential in many neighborhoods.