I grew up in similar environments so I get it.

That is incredible.

I would be very interested to hear from long time investors who have weathered the storms either crashing-and-burning and coming out stronger or simply getting through the cycle bruised but not battered.Having searched for a topic and thread like this one, I don't think there is one quite exploring this aspect of real estate investing where we lay bare all our failures but it would be incredibly instructive to us newbies to learn from those who have gone before and come out the other side weary and with scars to show from the battle.Hope you will find int in yourself to share so those of us who are new can learn.

The very last thing that I want is to live in that environment!!!

Small regionals get static from their regulators about loaning on specs in the current environment.

Hi all, just upgrade to PRO couple days ago and discover the marketplace that listed some incredible deals around the country, some are too good to be true to be honest (cash on cash ROI 30%++) and beg many questions: 1) Why are they even on the market if the cash flow so great?

Ill use "product of my environment" as an excuse, sure.

So, two pieces of good news in this: 1. vacancy will happen, and it's certainly more frustrating when it happens so fast, but it won't change the overall potential for the property, and 2. the tenant abandoned rather than stopped paying rent in an environment where we can't evict right now!

Treat it like you would your own house if managing yourself yearly inspection :- furnace/boiler - clean out burners (do in Fall to make sure heat is on in winter)- clean dryer vents- caulk bathtubs- change out thermostat/CO2 detector batteries- clean out gutters in Fall- while on the roof looking at gutters, take a look at roof condition - fix early- vacuum and clean utility room near any furnaces and water heaters (keeps dirt/dust out of systems, can extend life)- rinse water heater screens (can fill with dust and won't stay lit)- drain water heaters yearly - prevents sediment buildup and will extend life- change furnace filters (more often than yearly)- if in cold environment, turn water supply to exterior off before winter- take a look under sinks to check for any slow leakThis shouldn't take much longer than an hour or so per unit per year unless you find something unexpected, and if you do find something then good job catching it early. 

I am a buy and hold investor in 2+ unit properties in dense urban environments (public school system)  My top 5 are:1.