For the lurkers that might be curious and/or want context about why appraisal fees are charged upfront: So my firm did actually cover the entirety of the appraisal fee upfront for a while, to be reimbursed at closing, and we ate the cost if it didn't close for any reason.

The condo fees were rising so rapidly and the rental value of the unit was so low that the condo fees ate up a third of the rent.

I feel your original post fit me to a tee and far better than a list of my random thoughts!!  

I ate the cost, and haven't had a problem since.Good luck,CB

I was looking at Condos, but you’re correct, I was running the numbers on the calculators here and the HOA’s just ate up everything.

The rest had so many repair issues, the maintenance ate up all the cash flow. 1 was about a break even and the rest cost the owner money. 

We own a 2 unit house and tenants signed lease for 12 months. After 6 weeks they gave lame reasons for wanting to leave including my telling them they couldn't put Christmas lights on handrails on steps in front of ho...

The dog ate up and down the side of the patio door.

When I did the kitchen I just used the microwave or ate out .

I thought you ate lightning and crapped thunder?