A variation on the theme which I considered but chose not to use would be, instead of buying the appliances, window coverings, bathroom finishings and landscaping, I could have given the tenants an “upgrade” budget, where I still approve and pay for stuff, but they pick it out and choose the installers and landscapers and painters.

Hello all, I'm a new investor looking into multifamily houses, Any advice, tips or suggestions.

Amy tips is welcomed .

I went to a seminar held by FortuneBuilders and Im excited to get into the business so helpful tips on getting started are always appreciated.Adam

@David TiptonThanks David for the welcome and the tip about the forums and how to post to someone correctly, there's no telling how long it would have taken me to figure that one out on my own!    

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you didn't mention an area of interest, I added details of the three most popular niches at the links below, for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Are there any tips/tricks on saving on lumber costs from suppliers?

Any tips/tricks there?

I appreciate your insight and tips.

I currently own two single family properties and in the process of obtaining my first multi unit quad.I will contine to read posts for real investment tips.