What's so amusing about it is that if he'd just spent as much time learning as he has posting in the past two months, he'd know a lot of what he needs to actually get started investing by now...

Like I said, I can't tell if this is a joke or something, cause I don't get this at all if people are actually serious about this.like i said, the less stuff tenants/buyer have to touch/open to inspect, the better but that's just my philosophyand i'm still kind of on the fence since keeping it closed aint so bad either and afterall its the open toilets in pics that get heavy criticism, not closed ones. but inspections, might be a whole other ballpark hence creating this thread and it havin so many helpful -and amusing- repliesserious?

Alot of Section 8 and DSS in the area but the houses are really nice considering what I am used to here in Philadelphia.

This is amusing. 

I am used to bouncing ideas off of people who don’t know anything about real estate investing and getting a blank, glazed stare back.

@Wayne Brooks I am using a flat fee listing service

Purchase price would be at most 40k (Asking 45k but already said he would take 40k) Using 50% rule: (If I am using it correctly) $40,000 - 20% dwn = $32000 $32000 @ 5% for 30 yrs = $171.78 Payment $750/2=$375 $350 - $171.78 = $203.22 profit Taxes are $600 a year but I assume those are part of the 50%.

(Several different sources HELOC, SAVINGS, PERSONAL LOAN.The options :HELOC - I presently have this already in place but it will expire in January I can renew but only at a higher interest rate of abouta percent more but if I do it the plus is my equity available will increase by at least 30% and I have the option of choosing a different lenders to get the best terms.PERSONAL LOAN _ I want some advice on where to get a decent rate and longest terms most important longest term, the longest I got so far is 7 years that makes for a hefty monthly payment as most of the funds I am using comes from this source, it increases my risk.

Hi All,I am looking for advice we are looking into investing some money into our first rental and at the same time are looking for a bigger house for ourselves.With this in mind we are considering keeping our current house and making this our first rental possibly in the future if we wanted to downsize we could return as we really like the neighborhood.Our objective is long term investment to supplement out 401k’s although likely along the way we will need a balance between cash generating property and appreciation driven.So FinancialsOriginal Purchase price $300K in 2014 (Estimated current value $330-340k)Deposit 20%/$60kInterest Rate 3.75%There is $200k left on the mortgage I am using a excel rental calculator and I am using the original purchase details without updating for the reduced mortgage or higher appraised value as that seems to complicate.Assumptions:Estimated Rent $2300 p/m (Based on zillow and comparables)Vacancy Rate 10%Property Taxes $8800Insurance $1200Maintenance/Repairs $2000Utilities $600(This was to include mowing services)Advertising $250Annual Expense inflation assumed at 2%Property appreciation assumed 3% (This might be conservative Ann arbor has been 4-5% for last 5 or so years)The property calculator gives me -2% return on cash but 16% return on investment.Based on this what advice would you give me or watch outs?

In my case, the attorney I am using for the Eviction process is the same (or affiliated) company of the Trustee.