YOu make some good points... and I think that's why when there are post where others want to know how its going for those that have owned rentals for 10 years or longer its hard to get people to respond or there are not many as cash flow VS reality set in at about 5 years and I think many choose to sell before the big ticket items come up...

But I do know that real estate is my ticket out of the rat race, sort of speak.

Yes every unexpected expense ate into my profit but this was meant to be a learning experience not necessarily a get rich quick ticket.

I would bet you the bigger players on this site all have the same go to guys they have been using for years Got my IFR ticket in the 172  No GPS NO auto pilot...

common thing...But if you took that off and are simply asking for an inspection of big tickets, and a FULL walkthrough, then they are hiding something. 

Big ticket items 1st.

It is the ticket to a decent W2 job, employer retirement plan, HEALTH CARE!!!

Finding a bank that does portfolio loans proved to be the ticket in my case.

Replacing all the windows is a big ticket item probably 10k plus.Buy good quality paint (probably 30 dollars a gallon). 

Construction companies operate differently, and assuming investor grade or semi-investor grade, a 20k ticket/AR could cripple their operations for months if not year or so.