The weather is a massive factor for those of us that are used to sun and warm weather basically year around.We both agree it was the best thing we could have done.

I requested the closing documents to review all the associated fees and charges, and I was surprised to find that the out-of-pocket closing costs amount to $12,395.38.

There are no penalty fees for paying off the loans early, FYI.Anything in this workflow that I'm missing? 

Add up expenses from Day 1 of the build and see how long it would take to recoup that dollar amount with your projected NET profit - meaning after all expenses.... ie you charge $150 a night but after cleaning/supplies/ fees, you make a net $80.

you could do that but there are stiff fees for cash advances but I guess if you do that and your credit score doesn't take a huge hit then fine but not the way I would do it.

@Samuel Metcalf- sorry ...getting  heloc on the rental duplex  will be hard / impossible to obtain ....if you can  get one - it would be a great option to use for the  remodel / landscape ....if you have  50K equity in your primary -you likely dont have  ample equity position to get a HELOC  on it as the max  comboned loan to value for helc lenders is  85%  ( maybe  90% ) ...I would try getting helocs on both to see whats possible ...if no heloc is possible - use the cash on hand for the purchase down payment / closing costs / loan fee/ prepaids and then use future accumulated savings for landscaping 

Read the contract details, especially fees, eviction coverage, and maintenance info.

Questions for the group:Are we allowed to charge a cleaning fee or not?

I am currently using Zillow to screen tenants and had the application option turned on so I have candidates who paid $35.00 for the Zillow application fee.

These are often either free or have a small membership fee or a nominal cost and you can meet great people and often source some great deals and get the names of good connections at these types of meetings.