I attended the FHA home owners education class and received the certificate of completion, so I am working with the lender on the 3.5% down and down payment assistance, so I have less money out of pocket and can focus more of my funds on renovation and increasing equity.The properties I am looking at either have basements that are finished, or basements that I can finish myself to rent out separately either on a month to month basis, or as an AirBnB, or they have detached garages that are big enough to convert to a studio, or AirBnB. 

First time the rent is 5 days late, have the property management company have the eviction notice put on the door to start the 30 days.The tenants won't likely be late again when they know you ain't play'n games!

@Fred CanzanoIRA Services Trust Company is very reputable and have been in business since the late 70s.

I can see when tenants schedule rent and I can add late payments on to their account.I also have one tenant that deposits directly into my bank account which works well too.The advantage of Cozy is they never need to leave their house so it is very easy.

If the old Landlord keeps it, I would consider that theft and I think a court of law would agree.If it's not too late, have the tenant put a "stop payment" on the check before it's cashed.If it's too late, notify the old Landlord - in writing - that the money rightfully belongs to you for payment of rent and demand return within XX days or you will file a claim in court.

Builders often quote the cost for the building only, so you might check to see if it includes landscaping, fences, finish grading, driveway, etc. 

You are kind of late to the party.

Get educated on the local market, look at prices, cost per sq. ft. and what finishes, lot sizes, etc. are so that you're comparing apples to apples.

I've been wondering the same thing myself a lot lately but the nice part is that if you can keep that low, you can pull your money out for another property!

It also helps if you tint your primer close to your finish color.