My sons and I are working on taming that and trimming some brush to improve the look and feel of the place.

We foster dogs so I have a soft spot for any four legged family member. 

Feels like there's a soft agreement between this couple and the owner.I spoke with all other tenants privately and they seem to be very happy with the current non-property-manager.I like the idea of resident lawn care, but am concerned about legality of a resident property manager (I'm new to this and not ready for employees on a small triplex).

The proforma will have numerous data points that require research: rents, operating expenses, city impact fees, build costs, soft costs A&E.

Actually now is a good time to buy because the luxury market in South Florida has been very soft since the 1st quarter of last year 2017.

The strategy has been very good to me, and I'm a fan.Separate your construction costs into soft, horizontal and vertical components - soft for city fees, professional services , and holding/financing costs ... horizontal for any site prep, public improvements, and underground work ... vertical for foundation and everything on top of it. 

It is way easier to get back on the path that you know so well and not cut through the brush and blaze a new trail, but the problem is that although it is easier to go back to what ya know, that path leads to the same unfulfilling results they have always received.Just a few of my thoughts from the top of my head.  

Trading of a 5% for a 10% return has to be balanced against the hard and soft costs of travel to visit the property, no sweat equity, the use of a property manager, etc.

I always felt that my parents were getting "soft" with their properties but hey I was just a teenager observing the actions of others.  

The rents tend to be bit soft [not quite meeting the 1% rule], but I like the potential appreciation due to the schools / area.