The more desirable the area, the more it retains its value in all market scenarios.  

25% is quite the amount, if the numbers support it, maybe not put down so much retain the equity and use it expand your portfolio down the road?  

If you do not drill the holes you will have a inground pool that will retain water, and is a hazard to your property.Here is a pic of one I did for reference: Good luckDanny

Periodic small increases are probably your best bet in retaining your tenant while getting closer to market.

Often, the inspection costs issue is used as an excuse so the buyer can retain the option to simply walk away later.

My partner using an LMA to finance some of future growth plus we are using any retained earnings to pay down this LMA and/or finance additional properties.

In general, an unlicensed seller is allowed to pay a referral fee to someone else who is unlicensed.As for you paying a licensed agent, as far as I know, the only way for you to do that without breaking any rules (or at least skirting the rules), would be for you to retain the agent through contract (agency), with a commission agreement in the amount you wish to pay.

Retains your institutional borrowing ability for additional properties.3.I just negotiated an owner financing at 5%.

We usually accept the existing tenants and, after we get to know them a little, may offer them an incentive to sign a new lease to replace their existing one (if we want to retain them).

I think the high taxes are a trade off for the value the properties retain (since they are next to Cleveland), and there are great schools around that attract quality tenants.So would you rather pay higher taxes and rent to families and possibly increase occupancy % and have an added exit strategy in the future of being able to sell the property to someone for financing (it won't drop below 50k), or save on taxes and deal with those other issues.I think the biggest issues to deal with is the knob and tube wiring and lead paint.I have great connections for the mechanicals (roofing, electrician, plumbing, and carpentry).