I also invest in the Cedar Rapids area. 

@Austin Davis - Here’s how an attorney explained pet fees as a “prohibited provision” at a Cedar Rapids landlord training earlier this year.NOT okay:Non-refundable pet depositMonthly pet fees (increased rent)OK:Refundable pet deposits (up to a total deposit of 2x rent)Withholding security deposit or charging for expenses incurred due to the pets (i.e. vacuuming animal hair out of ductwork)The gist he conveyed was that fees (not just with pets) could get you in trouble, but charging for incurred expenses is ok.

Can anyone recommend a property management company in or near Cedar Rapids to manage my rental properties?

With positive cashflow, it creates a large snowball effect where your balance and interest cost are both dropping rapidly.

Well, think about your expenses in life—things like bills, groceries, and maybe even saving for the future.Your cash flow from your rental property can help cover these expenses.It's like having a part-time job that pays your bills.Investors who prioritize the cash flow path often look for properties in stable, well-established neighborhoods where they can charge reasonable rent prices.They want their rental income to be consistent and dependable, just like your allowance or paycheck.This approach is great for investors who value financial stability and want to make sure they can cover their expenses and maybe even have some extra money left over.However, there's a trade-off.Properties that generate high cash flow might not see their value increase rapidly over time.It's like having money in a savings account—it's safe, but it might not grow significantly.So, if you're someone who wants steady income and doesn't mind slower growth in property value, the cash flow path could be a good choice for you.In summary, the cash flow path in real estate is all about earning regular rental income from your investment property.It's like having a reliable source of money to cover your expenses.While it might not make your investment value skyrocket quickly, it provides stability and peace of mind.So, whether you're saving for that new video game or planning for your future, the cash flow path can help you achieve your financial goals.The Growth PathThe Growth Path in real estate investing is like choosing to take the scenic route to financial success.It's all about the long game, where you patiently wait for your investments to grow and become more valuable over time.Think of it this way: Imagine you plant a tiny sapling in your backyard.At first, it's just a small, fragile tree.

These areas are rapidly growing and seeing good appreciation, but the rents have not caught up to support the price.

Grand Rapids, Michigan8.

Those who have rapidly grown a sizable portfolio almost universally have a story of some "hack", be it the GC who bought horrible condition properties and renovated them to gem's, the person who "knows people" and used OPM, or the "grinder" who got out there and farmed leads to negotiate seller financing repeatedly to maximize $ leverage. 

Durham has been growing at a very rapid pace and there are tons of "luxurious apartments" being built all over the city.

(I can't tell you how many people have sent me BP calculator PDFs to discuss a deal with assumptions that completely exceeded the best case scenario in the real world LOL).Regarding supply, I have 14 units in a neighborhood that is still COVERED in dumpsters from out of state investors rehabbing in South City, Saint Louis so I am feeling the impact of a ton of rental competition coming online constantly but at the same time the neighborhood is rapidly improving so there's some give and take with that.