If you know you have recently renovated big ticket items, you should be able to operate with less margin.

@Thiag Sivalingam you can be in the city of Austin and also Round Rock for pretty good prices.

She hasn't always been happy with the tenants or with management or with unexpected big-ticket items like furnaces needing to be replaced but I think she's happy with multiple six-figure appreciation. 

I might have to locate some other Norman investors and try to round up our own meeting!

And it takes a hell of a lot more time rounding up some of the stuff because you bought propertys in an area you don't know.

They only way they get away with such crap is because customers don't question their supposed authority on the topic. 

You might find that being an accountant for a company might be just the ticket to get you in the door to the investing world.

Do some research on the plans, fees and service fees then price how much it would cost to replace the big ticket items and make the choice you feel is best for your situation.

You can buy one lottery ticket and win a million dollars but just because it is possible doesn't mean it is a good business model.I wish I had started in Real Estate when I was your age.

You are trying to fit the square peg in the round hole.