Hopefully, if I end up with a duplex, I can find a reliable 3rd party to handle the lawn maintenance.Frank, out of curiosity, you said, "back when I was doing rentals", what are you doing now (as far as REI is concerned)?

He is now working again though for about 60% less than his prior job, and they are working on paying down all the debts that have accrued during that time.The best option is to get rid of the property and the associated debt and downsize now that it is just the 2 of them with no children at home, but it appears that it will probably be difficult to sell a property that isn't quite what a family needs but also not quite an investment either though it has the benefit of the additional lot but it looks like it would be barely break even to sell as is.

Out of curiosity, What percentage did the agent take the listing at?

Out of curiosity why do you think the CAP rate is a useless measurement?

I've been watching the forums and browsing and satisfying my curiosity about the subject and science of REI.I've talked with a few landlords in my local area, and they have lots of issues with renters meeting the due dates for rent (typically, due by the 1st, Late fees start applying after the 5th of each month).

I have made some bridge loans recently in TX and am usually pretty happy to just charge an extension fee and keep accruing interest as long as the borrower has a legitimate plan. 

I reviewed a few of their deals earlier this year out of curiosity.

If you're a total returns investor, you're probably pumped to have made $40K in appreciation over two years, plus whatever cash flow and principal pay down you've accrued, but if you're dependent on the monthly cash flow, you might not be as happy.

Notwithstanding state or local custom ALL COSTS, TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT, TRANSFER, DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER FEES, EXPENSES, TAXES, CHARGES, ASSESSMENTS, DUES, AND ALL OTHER FINANCIAL PAYMENT TO BE MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE PROPERTY AS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER PAST DUE, CURRENTLY DUE OR DELINQUENT, INCLUDING ANY INTEREST OR PENALTIES THAT MAY ACCRUE WITH RESPECT TO THE FOREGOING, SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE BE BORNE AND PAID BY THE BUYER, AND BUYER AGREES TO DEPOSIT ALL SUCH AMOUNTS WITH CLOSING AGENT SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF CLOSING TO ALLOW CLOSING AGENT TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENTS ON BUYER’S BEHALF FROM FUNDS DEPOSITED BY BUYER; these items shall include, but are not limited to, transaction management fees, all current, past due and delinquent property taxes, costs of credit reports, appraisals, loan fees, loan points, other leverage costs, title insurance, title insurance charges, Closing fees, tax service fees, recordation fees for the deed, and any mortgage or deed of trust, any documentary transfer tax, real property transfer taxes or deed tax that may be imposed by the State, County and/or City in which the Property is located, common interest community/unit owner’s/condominium/homeowner's association maintenance or membership fees and/or assessments, if any, Closing costs, and all other costs and expenses, including any cost, expense or tax imposed by any state or local entity not otherwise addressed herein.

Out of curiosity, how is the rental situation off post?