Really minimal if any negative externalities.

Is there something external you have not analyzed such as zoning and city approvals?

S-F-H, rented for $1,500, that I'm still working on external repairs and landscaping, that I'd like to sell soon.

Gives me a slight buffer on optimism and external conditions.Some people definitely under project, which may be a sign of experience.

This house has major external obsolescence issues!

Using an external insurance provider is but way to hedge and manage risk exposure.

Theoretically the HOA fees should be contingent upon what the HOA is providing for you (landscaping , external aesthetics and potential coverage for the unit itself)

The second approach is “emerging growth opportunities†where value investors uncover external economic or market activities that are expected to lead to growing opportunities in the long term.

Prior to relocating to Texas last year we would manage the properties ourselves but after the move it became difficult and we had had a poor experience using an external management company.I am already negotiating on purchasing two single family homes that are already tenant occupied as well as waiting to see if a short sale purchase materializes.Almost all my experience comes from multi-family renters so if there are anyone selling or wanting to partner up, let me know.I've never tried a short sale before and the plan is to rehab and relist the house.  

I don't believe there is anything major going on externally that is causing that, other than just random luck whether the types of properties we buy are being released by the banks that month or not.The one exception was this summer, after the tax credit expired -- I believe this was a major external event that affected the market for several months.All that said, we're okay with slow periods where we aren't doing much...if we were desperate for the income at all times, we could certainly find deals by expanding our purchase criteria or expanding the areas where we purchase.