I would likely try to make at least 1 unit an STR to try and get a bigger return but conservatively I would be increasing my monthly living expenses pretty significantly.

She had 10 year lease before and I renewed on with her with only a minor increase because she was struggling to get by.

Create a well-structured investment plan that includes your standards, target markets, property types, financing techniques, exit strategies, and risk management plans.

You didn't mention any future rent increases.

It is standard to pay for all utilities.

Pay off debt, build your credit, and increase your savings rate. 2.

I'm just now drawing all the strings back together and refocusing for 2015. 2014 was a wash...made money, increased my portfolio, but could have made MORE if I stayed focused.I generally have only been thinking 1 year a time...but It's time I come up with at least a 3 year plan.

Hello All,  Im looking for an alternative to the standard practice. 

Definitely have to look at the fact that parties involved were open to looking at this from a different perspective instead of only accepting the standard way of doing things.

It seems obvious you cannot increase the Schedule E percentage beyond the rented percentage, but is that true of the opposite?