obviously the tenants want to get a dog and not pay a fee or extra rent...I doubt they are expecting you to reduce the rent. your choice should be based on the unit itself. got carpet, a fenced yard, close neighbors that might complain etc.

What’s the difference between putting extra cash into a hard asset like real estate vs taking cash out of your pocket to invest in stocks, etc.?

I already have that except for the PM expense, just want to know from another investor in Galveston to see if something is left at the end of the year or you have to put extra money.

I know that I am extra sensitive to it, but it is there. 

My partner and I are in negotiation for a 6-unit property in NE Ohio, below are details: 4 rented, 2 vacant / average rent $735 (4 rented units $720, 2 vacant $775)Owner pays water, sewer, trash2 br, 1.5 bath, roughly 900 sfGarage with door + extra parking areaRoof in good shape, air and furnace in good shapeRealistic gross all units filled: monthly $4,400 / yearly $53,000We walked through both vacant units, very clean and basic.

The lender will always project the FUTURE rent automatically ( they don't know if you will sell it or rent it after all so have to assume renting) and give you extra income at 75% of gross projected rent as qualifying income for the loan approval, even on vacant trashed properties.

If you have to go out of town, why not pick a place where things are happening, so that you might get some extra appreciation when you do sell.If you were in love with this town and planned to retire there, or had some special family/other connection, I'd feel differently.

Most of the realtors can barely tie there shoes in my area much less structure a sale  This is honest to god the truth!!!!!

It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees.

But wait... what happens to the extra $10, you ask?