My cashflow can "handle" the 7% rate, it's just not optimal lol, especially since I currently have a 3.25% rate,but I think getting the cash out is worth it with the estimated "risk/reward."

Matt R.To balance the optimism, you need also account for the year-over-year increase in operating costs in your projections as well. ;-)When we analyse a property for purchase, we like our numbers to be very conservative, so we will model a property over a period of five years with no rent increase, no appreciation (sometimes even depreciation) and an annual increase of 1-2% in operating costs.  

I think your own backyard should be the most optimal place to shop for a deal, as we have been taught via the podcasts.

As for the contracts, you can find that under the FilePlace section of Resources at the top menu bar.https://www.biggerpockets.com/files

Watching your net worth grow is a critical and motivating aspect of your investment program.It's also valuable to continually re-comp (re-value) your properties, not only to compute an accurate net worth, but to optimize decision making in determining which properties to sell for gains, which to dump if trends are moving the wrong way, which to keep for best rental return and cash flow maximization, etc.You should compute your current returns (ROI, etc.) on a property using current market value, not historical cost, so that you recognize "opportunity cost" of continuing to hold an appreciated property, for instance.

I think any good business person knows that cash sitting in the bank is not earning them the optimal return.

Without more facts it is impossible to say whether bankruptcy would be optimal.

Your mother's money will not be doing any work for her and will be unnecessarily tied into a sub-optimal investment. 8-12% income returns are unrealistic as you can not count on that consistently.

Hi @Richard V.My two cents - if you have started investing and you are comfortable building a team of people that you are comfortable with taking care of the project then you have a good chance to earn good returns remotely, however, I have seen that when people purchase their first property within driving distance of their primary residence then you will be able to learn how to build a team and optimize your property, which will make you more comfortable and willing to take on properties in farther locations over time.  

I have another UK cloud based system which has an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) menu which is also free in so far as I receive 1 call a month.I don't think IVR menus that terminate in a voicemail (like GV) rather than in speaking to a live person is good for any business and this is where a virtual receptionist working on behalf of many businesses, taking messages booking appointments etc can come in handy.