I decided to buy the property from my grandfather using a gift of equity, which allowed me to take over ownership without having to come up with the full down payment and pay for the tax lien and his closing costs.

I was able to qualify for about $95k in 0% business credit cards (for 12 months), I then liquidated the cash and used a portion of that to obtain the hard money loan that covered the balance of the purchase cost.

The seller offered financing with 20% down, which I used to buy the place.After starting construction and realizing it was going to cost more than expected, I approached a small local bank that knew the property and would offer the rehab financing. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

I've been updating things that need it and lucky enough, I can do the work myself to keep cost down for now, only because it be my first rental.any advise would be much appreciated. 

If you don’t have a clear understanding of your cash flow, operating costs, and future expenses, you could be setting yourself up for financial stress down the road.The Power of Financial ClarityYou can’t make smart decisions without knowing the full picture of your finances.

Sometimes the closing costs from the auction are HIGHER than expected.

If rates dropped 1-2% on a $600,000 home, it would cost a buyer $3,400 a month.

In general higher cost neighborhoods are safer than lower cost neighborhoods.

But, these broad market studies are so large, they are almost meaningless, in the real world.Between glut of new supply in many "hot" markets coming online, a continually softening economic outlook, inflation over last couple years making day to day items feel cost prohibitive, many average renters are strapped and seeking lower cost housing.