. $1000-3000+  That includes communication time, going out to the site to measure, etc.

Apparently a measure to mitigate re/building in high-risk areas?

There are multiple different metrics that can be used to measure the efficacy of a rental property.It may be worth finding a person in your area that has experience with rental properties to learn from as well.

I’m not sure that the term private lender and hard money lender are measuring exactly the same thing.Private money refers to the source of  the capital, while hard money refers to the terms offered. so, by my definition one can be both a private lender and a hard money lender. 

And without fail, every single dang one was deep DEEP in the red after taking ACCURATE measure of things.

Sure, building that equity via value-add is one measure but fact is getting a property where on can build a 30% equity position.

Distance makes it super tricky without boots on the ground.For good measure, go back and read it again. 

That got us to thinking... what is the most important metric to measure portfolio growth?

You won't know what your true return is on this asset class for at least 5 years.They are too unstable to measure in the short term.

The new rules will go into effect this Spring (2024) and include measures such as registration of vacant housing, inspection requirements to transfer property and the requirement that out of state investors have a "local agent in charge", a representative on the ground in Cleveland to be held accountable for the condition of the property.