I had to pay the taxes and insurance (which were not factored into their mortgage payments).

FACTOR TIME, WHAT YOUR GETTING, THEN COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES.ASK WHERE THERE MATERIALS ARE SUPPLIED FROM.

One easy thing to do would be to request credit limit increases with your current card issuers, since that can lower your overall credit card utilization ratio (which is rated high in factoring your score) without opening new accounts.Here's some other tips from My Fico: http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/improveyourscore.aspxOne last idea for you.

Have you factored the following into your analysis?

It might be a good thing if your portfolio consists of older properties and you factor in say 15% for maintenance and gradually bring that back down to the accepted norm of 10 or maybe 8%.

I believe the biggest factor in this dynamic is supply and demand and available land.

Honest, with integrity and is ethical. 3.

It's all subjective on a case by case basis.For instance one owner I know owns a multifamily complex of ranchers single story (over 100 units) on about 12 acres.Over the years retail commercial has built up all around it.The owner hasn't raised rents in 3 years.90% of the community is 55 and older even though it is not designated for that.The owner keeps it filled and does minor things to maintain it.Eventually it will probably be torn down and sold off for redevelopment.Knowing that it doesn't make sense to really over improve it and increase the rents.When buying a multifamily building you have to look at many factors and where it is located to determine what your plan will be.I like upping the rents slightly so that you get the increase but are still below market.As other shave said for someone to move and pay deposits and moving fees etc. they won't do it for a small amount.It's like a restaurant upping a burger 25 cents.You won't be happy about it but will deal with it.Up the burger at once by 1.00 and many might look for another place to eat.

If you have proof that your consultancy income will continue, then by all means talk to your bank.There are also other factors that come into play when applying for a loan, such as your credit history.

Make sure that for whatever period you're planning to hold these properties, you've factored in the cost of the financing...hard money isn't cheap and can have a substantial impact if your holding times are anything significant.