But, the self-sufficiency test for FHA loans can be really difficult in SF, meaning that the market rent from units you will not occupy must be sufficient to pay for the mortgage payment. 

The maximum fixed-rate period seems to be seven years, and there is generally a balloon payment at 10 or 15 years.

Some special assessments are already board-approved for 2025 and 2026 to help raise capital for such items, however I know when the time comes there will be a loan which likely demands a higher monthly payment for owners -- reducing my cashflow. - Based on sale of other units in the complex, I believe my current equity to be roughly $160,000, a little more than 50% equity. - The condo is currently leased through April 30, 2025. - August 2025 will be 3 years since I moved out.

The main thing that pops out at me every month is that less than half of my payment goes to paying the principle down, over half goes to the interest, taxes, and insurance, ect. 

If I would have used competent management, the manager that I picked and vetted, then it would have cash flowed, assuming they could have filled the vacancies.The big lesson I learned is that the property manager selected can make or break a deal. 

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Overcoming Common Financing HurdlesMortgage brokers excel at tackling challenges that often derail new investors:Low Down Payments: Brokers can find lenders offering low or no-down-payment loans, ideal for new investors with limited capital.Complex Income Streams: If you’re self-employed or have variable income, brokers can identify lenders that accept alternative documentation.Competitive Rates: Brokers have the leverage to negotiate better rates and fees, saving you thousands over the life of your loan.Pro Tip: Communicate your investment goals clearly with your broker so they can tailor their search to your needs, whether it’s a short-term fix-and-flip loan or a long-term rental property mortgage.3.

And how much of a down payment do you have available to invest in the property?

-Rent collection and financial management is probably not at the top of the list based on some of the challenges that we hear about, mainly because if you are lucky enough to have solid tenants and low vacancy, this is easy peasy, but if you have some challenging tenants that default on payments, or the possibility of an eviction arises, it can be worth paying a management company to help guide next steps. 

I have two questions regarding mortgage interest tax deductions.First, last year, I purchased a HUD property at a significant discount and used a $70,000 HELOC from my primary residence for the down payment.