My opinion is that most of them get into the independent contracting industry because they don't want to work for someone, but then they realize everything that goes with running their own business and its not the kind of stuff they want to do & you are still working for someone...the client;)Or you can have someone like I do that doesn't want to listen to your direction and just do things how he wants them done, because he's been doing things for 20 years and doesn't want to listen to a rookie. 

That's exactly why I asked this question, I didn't realize that there were "tax subsidy" rentals.  

I didn't realize they treat a debit card as a credit card (3%) fee instead of the ACH ($1) fee....good to know.  

Sandra,I just realized that you are probably referring to the stove top and not the door, but the situation is the same.  

This will only hurt your exit value.I realize this is a lot to "download" on you but should give you a good foundation for negotiating a very good landlord deal with your tenants.

Small 2 bedroom SFRs will just never realize the same level of appreciation as other more desirable properties.

When the dust settles, the agent realizes, "Oh crap, this is a short sale".

I realize I need to be a more active investor with my rentals and there are probably some underhanded things happening to me because I live 5 hours away from my rental properties!

I've seen so many newbie investors end up buying land that is unbuildable only to have sell it later at a steep discount once they realize they can't even afford to keep up with the taxes needed to keep the land.For future readers, one common way to evaluate and price land is through the Land Residual Method, which is pretty much a simply formula:Land Value = Developed Value (highest and best use after development) - Cost of DevelopmentIt requires a little work on the agent's part to dig into what the costs and potential developed value will be, but I wouldn't consider it rocket science.

I think I just panicked a little last night as I realized we are 2 weeks out and I have a lot to get done... knowing the closing date would be helpful.