If you are purchasing as a long-term investment rental property, use the BP Calculator to plug all the numbers in to see if it makes sense.

Here’s the quick-and-dirty lowdown to get you started:1️⃣ Where to Look:LoopNet & Crexi: Good for commercial deals, though the best ones go fast.MLS (Multiple Listing Service): Access through a realtor for hidden gems.Auction Sites: Think Auction.com or HUD homes for distressed properties.Direct Mail Campaigns: Target landlords with older properties (especially those with code violations).2️⃣ Systems for Finding Deals (Step-by-Step):Set Your Criteria: Market, budget, unit count, rehab level.Build a Deal Funnel: Use LoopNet, Crexi, wholesalers, auctions, and brokers.Analyze Quickly: Use a property calculator to see if it cash flows.Direct Outreach: Contact sellers or property managers directly.Get Your Network Tight: Property managers, realtors, contractors—they’ll drop the best leads.3️⃣ What Makes a Good Deal:Cash Flow Positive from Day 1.Below Market Value (usually needs rehab).Upside Potential: Think rent increases, better management, or refinancing options.4️⃣ How to Become the Better/Best:Study the Market Like a Hawk.

When your tax professional calculates your UDFI tax, you can obtain information from the asset sponsor for potential write-offs. 

It is just a calculator.

I think people do not calculate the toll the lower end properties take on investors with years of ownership.Even with management in place there tends to be more problems with those properties over time.The emotional toll alone owning a low end rental portfolio over a decade is enough to make me cringe.Time is something we never get back.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

Property Age and Condition: Older properties may require a more significant reserve due to higher maintenance needs, while newer ones may allow you to taper off sooner.Understand your portfolio: I look at my portfolio as a whole and calculate a number I am comfortable with.

Your question is should you pay cash or get a mortgage.The investment calculators will say you will have a higher return on investment using as little of your own money as possible.Depending on your goals, like if you want to buy more rentals, this may be a wise strategy to put as little down as possible.However, if you are strictly looking to maximize your cashflow, having a paid off house is great.Honestly, I have a bit of both but like having the house paid off.

Then calculate when you will need that roof and how much it will cost when you do.I do like that high appreciation potential, and this may work well for you.

It's a tax on the gain.How is this calculated?