The paid off student rental plus the 2nd student rental helps pays off the mortage for 2nd student rentals and living expenses for me and my wife. the duplex was  cash flowing approx  $300 month with the old tenants We manage everything ourselves with some help from our family. 

That's disappointing, I'm here to learn and would happily pay for it if I used it extensively.

if you're W2 and full-time, hourly or salary, you should be able to go off your pay stubs for qualifying.

She said that if I pay $42,000 for the next 18 months, that she guarantees I will at least get this 42,000 back by the end of 18 months but probably much more. 

Also there is a management fee to pay for all of the above.

Before you pay for inspections, estoppel, etc. go look at the property yourself.

We've since increased their rent to market rate, and now we're experiencing late payments.Family Member as Tenant:Issue: Our family member is behind on rent for more than 5 months, with a rate below market due to their relationship with us.Behavior: They have made excuses about financial struggles, yet have been seen treating their new girlfriend to fine dinners and outings.Impact: Both tenants consistently pay late and have shown complete disrespect to us, the property owners, despite efforts to ensure their happiness and success.We'd hate to impact our relationship with them, but right now, they're hurting us and our pockets. 

We pay 8% & less than you've shown on other fees for great service.   

And, even then, hitting your rate target would still be extremely challenging unless you were paying points up front, in which case it would probably make more sense to just try to put in a bigger down payment (or pay down the balance if refi) instead and get better terms naturally offered at the lower LTV.

I think I'll have to wait 2-3 years to pay for the renovation unless I take out a loan for the shower renovation.