Break-even this year could cash flow nicely next year if there are double digit rent increases.And finally, although @Joe Villeneuve is certainly not wrong about the fact that you ideally want positive cash flow, I'd also argue that real estate investors don't build long term wealth on a couple hundred bucks per month of cash flow from their rentals; Rather, they build it with long term equity growth that results from appreciation (which requires a long term hold strategy).

Yes we have two consecutive quarters of slower GDP, which is a big indicator for a recession, but with unemployment still hovering around 3.5% it will be tough to argue that we are in one now. 

If a tenant argues that the refrigerator was cleaned and spotless after vacating, I will share pictures showing that they are incorrect.

You could argue that inflation is your friend. 

I use a handyman out of Wadsworth for bathroom fans and minor electrical and plumbing and ABC drain and plumbing out of Norton for new water heaters-- they're running about $1200 now installed.

I would recommend you start with the following process:1) Read a couple of fundamental real estate books such as The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller and the ABCs of Real Estate Investing by Ken McElroy.

Sideby side i was also reading the books such as millionaire real estate investor, how to create wealth investing in real estate, crushing it in apartment and commercial real estate, best ever apartment syndication book, how to invest in real estate with low and no money down, abcs of real estate investing, how to invest in real estate and many more including Rich Dad Poor Dad.

I argue against this all the time, but don't have the time today.

I have lived in places like Nebraska and Iowa- If you take into account inflation YTD which is about 9%, I would argue that least desirable areas of this country probably had negative appreciation last year- Huntsville is probably one of the top 20 markets right now.

You can always talk to the city and argue why you taxes shouldn't have been increased.You mentioned in escrow it went from $2K to $8K-when did you close relative to when the property taxes are paid?