We also have to remind ourselves that real estate is for the long run, meaning a D class neighborhood today could be a B class neighborhood in a few years. 

Which reminds me that I should mention that I’m not opposed to living a not-so-luxurious lifestyle in the short run.

Remind them that this means they can't get any more pets.

Hey Colin, it’s fantastic to see someone your age diving right into the real estate world.. reminds me of when a buddy of mine bought his first duplex in Omaha.

Hey @Chris GarnesI just came across your post, and it immediately reminded me of a project I handled with a colleague in San Diego, Dennis Bragg - https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3607  - You’re sitting on some serious potential with these two properties, and your plan to step back from construction while finishing them makes total sense.For Home 1, with no mortgage and a prime design upgrade underway, you’ve got flexibility that most investors would envy.

Communication with tenants, rent reminders, maintenance requests, etc have all been seamless. 

That property is now a reliable source of rental income and a constant reminder that success starts with taking action, learning on the fly, and embracing challenges head-on.

We’re still weighing whether to manage ourselves or hire a property manager, but I’m definitely leaning towards having a reliable team in place either way.Your advice about not taking on too much risk is a good reminder.

My expectation is to keep some cash in each deal, but still aim to maximize how much I can refinance out to make the numbers work.I’ve been cautious about setting my expectations too high, and I appreciate the reminder to focus on deals that work rather than chasing perfection.

Document the condition of the property thoroughly before they leave, and remind them that their security deposit hinges on the place being left in good condition.