Actually 1.45% but when factoring in PM, vacancy and renovation percentages, my cash flow is only $160. 

There was already a lot of supply in the first place, but now your 2 bed apartment has to compete with these large buildings trying to fill vacancies literally offering 2 months free rent in some cases.

If a project can only be done during a vacancy, add carrying costs and lost rent to the net cost for landlords.As for podcasts, here are some that are highly recommended for beginner real estate investors:1.

I would also want to know if there is a demand for rentals in the area, what the vacancy rate is and average rental cost. 

In particular, OO does not have vacancy or PM and typically has cheaper maintenance/cap ex than the landlord would experience.https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/its-now-officially-cheap...if you use realistic expenses, purchase at retail (off MLS) without a value add, you will have negative cash flow on virtually any purchase.  

Turnover and vacancy is often the single biggest expense. 

CRE is in trouble, particularly large office buildings in big metros with a lot of vacancy. 

Here are the numbers I know so far:Rents4 units all currently occupied on one year leases- #1: 1/1 $995 monthly- #2: 1/1 $995 monthly- #3: 1/1 $995 monthly- #4: 2/1 $1,100 monthly- Gross rents: $4,085 monthlyExpenses- $12,070 taxes annually- $350 monthly insurance (my estimate, they have liability only right now)- $175 monthly landscaping- $120 water (electrical on separate meters, tenant pays)- Total expenses: $1,651 monthlyNOI around $2,434 before vacancy, maintenance, and management (although i would likely self-manage these)Property needs about $50K in other repairs and udpates from what I can see.

when underwriting a property a good rule of thumb would be to set aside ~5% gross income for each Cap Ex, maintenance, and vacancy. (15% total)I dont know much of the market in TX but in central MA i work with a lot of investors that are interested in acquiring multi family properties so that's mostly what i deal in. 

I now have a 6-month lease signed with a tenant, am avoiding higher vacancy during this recessionary period, cut out 19% of expenses, and have far less headaches.