Avoid any self-help eviction tactics like changing locks.Maintenance: As a landlord, you’re responsible for ensuring the property meets basic health and safety standards, including working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.Inspections: While there are no mandatory inspections required before renting, your property should comply with building codes.

Warning: This post contains many charts, and I did not see a way to simplify the presentation.The zip codes in this study include: 89002, 89011, 89014, 89015, 89031, 89032, 89044, 89052, 89074, 89084, 89117, 89123, 89128, 89129, 89131, 89134, 89135, 89138, 89139, 89141, 89143, 89145, 89147, 89148, 89149, 89178, and 89183.

Other options include the BRRRR strategy, which allows you to recycle your capital by refinancing after renovations, or partnering with an experienced investor to scale faster.

I'd also like for them to be aware of costs like insurance and taxes, so that they have a better understanding, but I'm not sure that's really that important.

Most importantly, how can I set realistic, effective metrics to guide my investment decisions?

If you're looking for strictly cash flow and that's the most important, I definitely recommend going with Cleveland.

Just because some fellow investor includes it on her or his log, does not mean it flies - unless this investor was audited and won.

Build a solid foundation before taking a step up - each and every step of the way.There’s a way to scale recklessly and there is a way to scale safely.When OPM is involved safe is way better than reckless.Despite a life long career in RE, I scaled as followsBought a few duplexes for my own accountBought a fourplex for my own accountBought 12 units as a JV with some friendsSyndicated 43 unitsSyndicated 30 unitsBought another 12 units as a JVSyndicated 281 unitsThis was over a 3 or 4 year period.and so forth - now I am GP in close to 1000 units with $125M AUM.Even with all that, my sweet spot is 30 to 50 unit properties - they work best for my partners and I and more importantly our investors. 

One important thing is that we want to retire in the next 5 years. 

Add statistics graphs so I can see the growth potential including population, employment, etc.