Using an unexpected repair as justification for not caring about cashflow as much as appreciation doesn't really address the issue, especially when appreciation also operates on the idea that the property's condition doesn't decline relative to comps.From what I understand about REI and cashflow, cashflow should cover not only PITI, but maintenance, repair reserves, prop management, etc.

I work with Property Management in Houston but can recommend some great networking/educational events for you :) Check out Space City REI - there's monthly meetups with an educational speaker relating to real estate investing and there are plenty of Investors looking for Wholesalers out there! 

Quote from @Jeffrey Bourque: Hello All, I am new and this is my first attempt at purchasing a property with the intent to create monthly cash flow.The property: Triplex Listed at $140,000 - Total monthly rent income $2,150 - Tenants want to stay and are all willing to sign new leases for 3 years - 8 beds 5 baths and 3,500sqft livable space on a 4,800sqft lot - Heat and electric paid by tenants and water trash paid by owner $180 month - I have managed to talk the selling price down to $105,000 with a kick of $10,000 for closing and commissions so $115,000 all in - Building is in fairly good shape according to pictures and questions but have not done a inspection yet - some general maintenance repairs are needed according to the seller but nothing that seems to bother the tenants. - Taxes are on the higher side at $6,000 yearMy Numbers: $115,000 putting 20% of my money $23,000 and finance the rest with total expense of $1,834Monthly expense numbers: Future Maintenance 13% $273 - Vacancy 5% $105 - Property Insurance 5% $105 - Property Taxes 23% $500 - Property management 10% $215 - Office/Travel/Legal 4% $84 - Mortgage 26% $552 - Monthly Cash Flow - $316 per month or $3,792 per year so Cash on Cash = 17%I think this looks like it is a deal worth doing and I also believe I can bump the total rent up by $50 each tenant which I think make it even better.

Do managers that advertise 8% only do 8% when there's a bundle of doors to manage?

I've purchased a couple of my investment properties directly from property management clients who decided to sell. 

Maintenance is one of the biggest challenges, maybe even #1, in the Property Management industry.Seems maintenance is, Never Fast Enough for Tenants, or Cheap Enough for Owners!

Do you think purchasing a property in Philadelphia, PA, and managing it remotely from Westchester, NY (Roughly 2-2.5 hours away) with the help of a local handyman would be too much of a stretch?

My property manager says there was no indication that the tenants are at fault.

If you are investing out of state, then do you already have a good property manager lined up? 

I'm Igor - a revenue management expert with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.