What you can do with more units is mitigate that risk and structure the deal such that even if you have a vacancy in a 4plex, the cost of operating that property is still covered the other 3 units - not possible in a duplex in Anchorage that I've seen.I am also active duty, but have a background in real estate, and my wife is currently a realtor who specializes working with military clients.

You should be running a significantly higher than residential real estate vacancy rate.

12 month because it gives you some control over when vacancies happen (you can also do whatever month number will put you in a good position), for example if a unit goes vacant in winter it is harder to fill and may rent for less while the opposite is true in spring.

Hi Cynthia,assuming 5% vacancy and $200 per month is set aside for reserves and maintenance, this property will produce about $711/mo in income.  1/3 will work out to about $2827 per year

You don't mention what part of CA you are in, but SFR vacancies are very low right now.

Portfolio:A duplex in Oklahoma city - 100% occupiedA half-duplex in Oklahoma city - 100% occupied for more than 1% ruleAn SFR in Casper, WY - occupied by family at a good rate with very little vacancy riskA townhome in Anaheim Hills, CA 3BR/3BA that has been our primary residenceWe just received an offer to move to the Denver area where my company's second largest office resides.

Lot rents will kill you when you have vacancies..

Only thing I forsee that will impact is interest rates and maybe vacancy tax..

First Book CRE FOR DUMMIES by Peter HarrisSo walking into the first book I had an idea of the big picture but was reluctant to go the syndication route which is to pool together investors to raise capital to attain an asset.The book “Financial Freedom With Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank. opened my mind to get funding and partner up with like minded investors.I’ve been researching market trends examples job growth, new construction, vacancy rates, entry cap rates, median rents and median price per unit. 2018,2019,2020 in all categories.Also focusing on market cycles and closely analyzing the states that fall in a Recovery Phase & Expansion phase 1 &2.

Be sure to find out whether those fees would apply in your case, since they're not yet included in your numbers.I don't see any budget for vacancy, cap-ex, or repairs.