@JD Martin agree 10,000%What I am surprised about is I had a call with someone in Austin today and in sw Florida and they both said things are awful and prices are dropping at high rates - curious don't hear as much chatter here about that as it could be an opportunity 

If you pay off your mortgage (which is a good interest rate), you will likely burn through that cash flow as it is more accessible, AND that money isnt working for you anymore (unless you reinvested it).  

The metrics I'm primarily focused on are: rent appreciation rate, property appreciation rate, economic growth rate, unemployment rate on the macro level.

I have already spent quite a bit on attorney's fees myself. 

Chicago is a lower appreciation market but with the trends we've been seeing with increased rates of hurricanes on the east coast and fires in the west, I do think long-term we will see some migration to the Midwest.

I just go in at the first of every month and code each line item to the corresponding property and note what the expense was for (Repair, HOA Fee, Mortgage payment, etc).

What am I missing (besides in some instances you have a lower interest rate but do not get clean title to a property)?

It’s not necessarily more difficult than market-rate rentals, just different.If you’re seriously considering this route, feel free to reach out.

Thanks The older homes usually require some sort of updates to the plumbing/electrical to get a decent rate if you are wanting replacement cost.

Companies need robust infrastructure and a sizeable skilled workforce.Low crime rates are essential.