I figured I could squeeze out an addition $100 monthly per house by adding a bunch of junk fees into the fine print of my leases which my tenants wouldn't pick up on and could take  from their deposits.

You might get it for $400,000 if you have that much cash, but it likely won't go for $50 or $100.You can read some of your state laws here:https://dor.sd.gov/government/county-treasurers/Don't ever waste your money on a nationwide trainer or a travelling road show in a hotel ballroom. 

The national government, the state government, and most importantly the local government will affect your investment 1000x more than climate change in the next 100 years.

Section 8 rentals can be a great way to start because the all or part of the rental payments are guaranteed by the government.

Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

Economists note that job growth in typically underreported industries fell by 42,000 compared to the 6-month average, suggesting August’s numbers may understate actual gains.Key Employment GainsConstruction: +34,000 jobs, driven by heavy civil engineering and nonresidential trade contractors.Healthcare: +31,000 jobs, though slower than the past year's monthly average of 60,000.Social Assistance: +13,000 jobs, with more modest growth compared to previous months.Other growing sectors include financial activities, wholesale trade, and government (+24,000 jobs).Job Losses and Sector StrugglesManufacturing: -24,000 jobs.Retail: -11,100 jobs.Temporary help employment continues to shrink, reflecting business uncertainty.Wage and Fed Policy ImplicationsWages rose by 0.4% in August, up 3.8% year-over-year, supporting a cautious approach by the Federal Reserve on deeper rate cuts.

We could debate the fine print but if you had first engaged them as your agent then they would have definitely been required under the code to show you the properties.

The builder will need to supply a Cost analysis, Blue print and a few other things prior to the Draw being negotiated and set up.The land that you own will act as "Equity" to offset the LTV/LTC so you are off to a good start. 

Also, put any repairs pointed out by the inspector into the following categories (by priority)1) Health & Safety - to avoid tenant injury and potential lawsuits2) Property Preservation - to stop further costlier damages3) Government Required - city inspection repairs & S84) Marketing Negative Impact - who'll rent a house with purple bedrooms?

They'll print before.