If you just take the 13,835 financed at 6% you are adding 83 dollars a month. so a double whammy.Now, lets consider if rates drop to 5.5% in 24 months (not a prediction just a what if) and you could have refinanced at a much lower costs then the above scenario in what you paid in pre-paid and additional interest. on the other hand, if rates for your same scenario after your 5 year payback period is 9, then you will have an asset with a much lower then current market rent.  

.- Your monthly mortgage payment (PITI) is about $2,800.- You rent out the other unit for $1,800 and maybe a spare bedroom for $500.- Total rental income: $2,300.- You’re still responsible for a $500 gap each month.Add in maintenance, unexpected expenses, and vacancies, and your costs can climb even higher.

The highest fee I've seen for assisting with tenant placement is 10% of one month's rent.

If so how many oppertunities/leads are you currently seeing, say, on  a monthly basis?

It should have been 2-3 months and I was in it for 7 months renovation and then took almost 4 months to sell.

New Roof, New Windows, Paint interior/Exterior, New Appliances, New Garage Door, New Fascia, New Fixtures (Bathroom and Ceiling fans), Electric Service Upgrade, 1204 Sqft, built 1960.

@Micah Huffman unless you are going to commit to learning some basics about being a landlord AND are willing to commit at least 2-4 hours each month managing a Property Management Company - it's probably best you sell.Otherwise, it's highly likely you could lose more due to bad tenants and management.

If I use a RMLO service I assume they cover the Dodd Frank and other consumer rules?

I've had some not happy when I have asked them to split it out.I've tried asking questions to the IRS customer service reps, and didn't have the best luck.While I cannot cite a specific official guidance on this issue, I consider debit cards exempt.

See responses to your questions below: Correct, California is uniqueTo qualify for REPS you need to meet a number of criteria, including (but STRs that meet IRS criteria generally don't need REPS to leverage tax benefits): More than 50 percent of his/her time working in real property businesses; AND, More than 750 hours of service during the year.