Both leases are up for renewal early next year (no, that wasn't planned and isn't preferable) so I want to give them a heads up before the holidays that rent will be going up.

Returns If you are getting a 0 on returns in an appreciating market and get a great Location and an asset on great condition you may be fine or even better off.Considering labor costs and material cost if you buy a turn key property you may even be ahead of the game.

However, you can find increased value in a deal by solving problems ahead of time.  

Based on those numbers you should move ahead. 

Long term inflation+ long term low interest rates = investing is the only way to stay ahead or at least keep up with the curve.

Lighten your moving load- freecycle.com; vietnam veterans - companies that pick up rather than you drop offDo you push ahead with this deal?

The biggest thing is to have super clear expectations written out ahead of time to avoid and falling out or resentment during the transaction, make sure you and your partners have the same vision for the investment, and make sure you trust your partners.

And even if you only ever get one investment property, it will put you ahead of 80% of American's in terms of retirement savings.

I do think I am just going to go ahead for the sales agent license just to get myself more familiar with the industry, how it works in Maine, and hopefully to meet some people along the way. 

But that makes sense because the lease doesn't say "Go ahead and leave when you want."