You can hear real-world examples of how others have built their investment portfolio and (hopefully) learn to avoid their mistakes.4.

This would allow you to indefinitely defer all of the tax if you sold, and use the tax you would have had to pay, to purchase something nicer in an area with a greater growth potential.   

Personally speaking, from an investment broker and investor standpoint, I feel single family investing is the riskiest in some investment ways in comparison to larger investments due to the fact that it only takes 1 repair or tax/insurance hike to put you under or lose all income.

If you go self-employed, youll need two years tax returns.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

I'm looking for the cleanest & most visible way to access payment history, see amortization schedule, tax documents, etc- much like bank softwares provide. 

Annual taxes are low.

This creates two loan payments ($100,000 of equity and $300,000 on the new mortgage).Key NumbersHome Equity Loan Interest Rate: 6%Mortgage Interest Rate: 7%Rental Income: $3,000 per monthExpenses (management, taxes, insurance, maintenance): $800 per monthIncome and ExpensesMonthly Rental Income: $3,000Monthly Expenses: $800Monthly Mortgage Payment: $2,000ExplanationThe investor earns $3,000 in rent each month.They pay $2,000 on the investment property mortgage and $800 on other expenses.This leaves $200 profit each month or $2,400 per year.However, you have to pay $6,000 interest on the equity borrowed.This leaves you with an annual loss of $3,600.While the rental property generates positive monthly income, the interest cost of borrowing the initial $100,000 results in an overall loss.

Outside systems like plumbing, sewage, and the water heater should be in good condition, and make sure there are no signs of pests.Additionally, look into property taxes, insurance costs, and zoning laws that could affect future development.

Make sure to factor in insurance (slight change as rental), property tax (in our market is 2x a primary res), vacancy (3-5% in most markets), capex (old roof?)