Our homestead will likely include a main home, carriage house (guest house) with the possibility to build an additional guest houses as we hope to not only host our family and friends, but would also like to start a small bed and breakfast.What we bring to the table:- Real Estate Investing experience (I currently have 2 doors: 1 townhouse in Canada, 1 apartment in Italy)- Short-term property management experience (Canada/Italy)- Long-term property management experience (Canada)- Experience purchasing Italian real estate- Fluent in English/Italian (ability to translate)- Experience renovating using Italian building materials / systems- Trades: mechanical, welding (Him)- Successful entrepreneur.

This translates into a 90k balance on your mortgage, and 10k heloc so there is no actual overpayment since all 100k is still accounted for, it is just split into 2 different balances instead of one singular 100k loan.

Where this is an over/under duplex the ceiling / floor assembly between the two units will need to be fire rated - here that translates into voids filled with fire-rated insulation such as Roxul Safe-n-Sound, resilient channel across the joists and 5/8" fire rated drywall (or the 1/2" dense core fire rated which is super expensive).  

@Nicholas Standford: couple of thoughts to add to above:1) If you have to replace windows, go with the most affordable (reputable) ones. 2) Your property probably has little insulation in the walls, so new windows may not translate to the expected energy cost savings.

FM perspective, as per the document, is investors are altering the market conditions (sec I) by closing < FMV.The key is the history of the neighborhood, which is why any investor focuses on RE in a very well known area.

I am feeling overwhelmed by options, things I've learned, and fear of the future.Right now my wife and I are trying to make a huge, potentially life altering, decision.

-However, 10% YOY appreciation on a leveraged property will results in much faster wealth build which can translate into buying more properties faster.

You are correct, we have recently altered our program.

The companies that support our properties primarily use apartments.com The prescreen questionnaire we require them to use: Previous Address Desired Move-In Date Do you get government assistance for your rent *Any EvictionsCredit Score Range (We provide the minimum required to qualify)What Is the Reason For You MovingTotal Number To Reside In ResidenceDo you own Any Pets If Yes What type of PetDoes Anyone In the Household SmokeDo you have renters insuranceWill you require alterations to the buildingIf Yes please describe the alterationsMonthly Family IncomeHow Did You Find Us

So basic economics; increasing demand+limited supply should translate to lower vacancy rates, higher rents and appreciation...so we want this.