I persistently come across an overwhelming amount of properties advertising 100% occupancy with minimal-mild value-add repairs to be had.

With an attorney they will generally do the contract for minimal charge or free if they intend to be the closing attorney of the deal.

My goals are to manage risk, invest & build wealth, and minimizes tax spending.

I would pay off the private lender and pull most of my money out and have a higher mortgage payment but at the cost of minimal money down.

According to my accountant I can minimize the taxable capital gain by splitting this between the 2 properties.

Start with something simple-a buy and hold that is turnkey or needs minimal updating-paint, flooring.

Some residual cash (prefer not to use any more of my own money or at least minimal), trying to scale up .

Failed in the sense that the gains were minimal and headaches maximal, but the experience gleaned sticks with me today.I want to throw out some basic stats and initial thoughts about my position, and would be curious as to any insight passed along by the BP REI vets.

I do see now that taking out a 30-year mortgage and structuring it your way to minimize some of the compounding interest is very beneficial. 

The lease features minimal landlord responsibility, two percent annual increases starting after the 5th year.