That said, we do use the vinyl plank floors if the floors aren’t original wood.

That's one way to think of it, the other way is, (You) aren't paying down the note, your tenants are.

We aren't new to flips but we are purchasing our first three townhomes that we plan to rent.  

We are not sure if we are trying to talk ourselves out of the deal or if the numbers just aren't that great.

Plus extroverts love to talk about themselves so they’ll think you’re very sociable, but in reality you aren’t saying much

My reasons for picking this location Is because there are great jobs minutes away (EB, physers, military base), casinos (Mohegan and foxwoods) aren’t far, Niantic and mystic are very popular entertaining towns that are within 10-15 minutes, and the beaches are also within a couple minutes.

I also wanted to know if anyone has had success with contacting owners of multifamily houses that aren't currently for sale but asking them if they are looking to sell now and in the future? 

---The actual steps should hopefully cost less than $500 to repair - they aren't in bad condition. 

Since purchasing with the intent to live in it while we fix it up we have taken our time with the remodel starting with the 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and family room that we aren't using regularly.

today's cap rates aren't guaranteed to hold.