As this is my first rental property I would love to hear from more experienced people to hear about the errors you initially made, or just things you had wished you'd done differently, so I can learn from you and start off on my best foot.

When I'm doing the initial conversation with a real estate investor who has 3 or 5 existing properties, I don't even bother asking how their credit is, since I know that as long as they are paying those mortgages on time they will have excellent credit.

We estimated property tax based on the previous years taxes on Zillow (roughly $1150 on a $155,000 home), and the bank used that in their initial disclosure. 

I actually signed an initial set of disclosure docs to agree to this rate for a duplex that I'm closing on.The lender reached out to me with new documents today stating that there is a change in loan terms.

@Joseph GarnerI know this isn't the sexiest answer, but when I first got started looking for commercial lenders, I basically googled all the credit unions/banks in my state and called each and went down the list until I found one who first would lend on the type of real estate I was buying, second offered competitive terms/rates and finally I had an initial good vibe with for a long term relationship.

@Corbin Jones, I didn't see that you were a member of the Brew City REI Club but send a request to join and you can say I invited you on the initial question.

In my opinion, you should just keep your initial investment and take out your profits and move it to real estate if that what your heart truly desires.I also trade, but in the FOREX market.

I honestly find it ironic that a forum full of diyers (including me) are in outrage that a tenant would take initiative and do it themselves.

I had an issue with the contractor and obtaining the architectural plan for the attic initially but I resolved it but it affected the timeline of getting the permit from the city which pushes us behind when it comes to completing the project.

I had an issue with the contractor and obtaining the architectural plan for the attic initially but I resolved it but it affected the timeline of getting the permit from the city which pushes us behind when it comes to completing the project.