Let's see in the next paragraph how Joe, despite of being in a seemingly neutral position, is actually worst off than he would have been without the subsidy.Let's say Joe wins the bid at $362,500 and starts living the house.

The title company should remain neutral and not interfere with the amendment of a property disclosure or interject their views to protect a realtor who brings them business.

We painted it to match the neutral wall color used to paint the rest of the house.

We had to use 3 coats of Kilz to neutralize the smoke smell, replaced all the carpet, new granite in the kitchen and bath, new appliances and flooring, new fixtures and switches/plugs, and a little drywall work.

In areas that have deep freeze winters the maintenance can be much higher on a property than in a more neutral climate.

Anything on market your best deals are going to be cash flow neutral.

@Zachary Jensen if you dont raise rents a few percentage points, you will find yourself substantially under market over time.It’s not a greed thing, but you’re likely going to sacrifice the capex savings rate with the increases your not realizing, and then replace a roof or do foundation work years from now at higher costs-dipping in to your pocket for the repair.That’s not a horrible thing for a house hack, since it’s your living space too, but over a handful of properties over a decade or two, you’re turning a positive return into a neutral or negative return, which is not how successful businesses are ran.

Painted with neutral colors.

@Ernie Sturzinger 1) I don’t see how using money drawn from another investment account for the down payment makes it “no money down”. 2) I’m personally fine with neutral cash flow IF capex/maintenance and repairs are very conservatively accounted for, there are adequate capital reserves to cover unforeseen issues as needed, the property is being purchased under market value with built in equity, the location has great appreciation potential, value-add is possible in the near term by making improvements and increasing rents, the investment horizon is long, etc.

I have always read that neutral colors are best, so I wasn't sure about a black accent wall.