However, it is likely that I will want to use my commissions to fund repairs, use as a down payment, or even cover expenses on these investment properties.

We may be buying and completely gutted house soon and hope the things I want inspected (basement walls bowing, sewer pipes, and basement floor) don’t turn out to be too expensive to fix everything should turn out pretty good for that property as long as comps support it.

Then, run your numbers on the potential STR income - what are your expenses going to be (they will be more), and what is your projected income based on looking at competition in your area on the sites?

You are better off budgeting money for maintenance and capital expenses and keeping a reserve in case issues arise faster than your budgeted money gets socked away from incoming rents.

Long time residents can't even afford median rent because incomes aren't high enough.

Hi,
Does anyone have placeholder amounts (numbers or percents of something...?) they use for total utilities, or broken down by water, electricity, heat if unknown for multifamilies? I’m looking around RI, MA, NH to...

They can lend you up to $250,000 towards a down payment if you are a first-time homebuyer, live or work in the county, and meet their income criteria, which I believe is up to 120% of the area's median income. 

Structural repairs can be very expensive, so it can be hard for condo associations to convince members to pay for them / to save money to pay for them in the future.

Currently, a single-family home costs you $430k median, and rates sit around 6.75% still.

There are still areas where you can buy units for $200k/ door but they require a lot of work usually and covering all operating expenses and interest payments can be challenging base on low-ish rent levels in some places.