total return from an RE investment includes value added, appreciation, tax benefits, equity pay down, and the cash flow. 

I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage? 

Hey @Thanh Lu, we don't do much direct bookings but we do have a $500 security deposit.

Total number of people that would occupy the apartment5.)

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

I just had tenants move out of my investment property (duplex) without paying for the last month's rent, and the damage they inflicted onto the property exceeds their security deposit amount.

. $69k for a 3 unit with gross rents of $2k a month and total expenses of $800 a month which included management and capX.

Wealth Building: Paying off the first STR focuses on cash flow and financial security, while buying another property focuses on scaling and wealth building.

The crypto can be considered as EMD or down payment, the rest of the transaction will happen just as if you were running a traditional transaction.If a seller is completely against the idea of receiving crypto, you can always use a service like Bitpay to convert the cryptocurrency to cash.Last but not least, I always ask clients... why sell your crypto asset when you use it to secure a loan?

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