For $1500/mo rental rate, up to $3600 in yearly maintenance is fair game. 

Monopoly taught us a valuable lesson we took for granted in terms of green and red houses and hotels, but the real key to the 'real' game is to change your perspective from being an earning employee to an entrepreneurial acquirer of assets - through your lifetime, and ideally, onto your heirs lifetime(s).Focus on asset accumulation, whatever the vehicle or vehicle(s), and you will see a vast horizon beyond your current 40k mental construct. 

And thanks to all of you doing the work and inspiring me to get in the game!

My partner and I are intent on buying in Oakland as our primary goal is winning the 2 - 3 year game on appreciation.

Looking to get back in the game and eventually turn it full time.My biggest challenge now is locating and making a deal on something that makes sense.  

Most lenders like to see you have some "skin in the game" , so may need a down payment and some closing costs at the very least - however , there are still opportunities to wholesale or bird dog which does not require down payment money but may be a lot more difficult without a marketing budget.

Part of landlording game, but hopefully you will have a much better experience now that you have had the opportunity to screen your own tenants moving in. 

Maybe we could meet up, pick each others brain & hopefully help each other out to become successful at this real estate game.  

I think I've been doing a good job so far but obviously I'm new to the game so what do I know.

Only with good communication can your real estate business run well and keep you and your tenants happy.When I am screening out PM’s before I invest in a new area I expect the PM to be on their “A” game and be in constant conversation with me because he wants to get my business.