I often think about the kids living in the communities and how it will positively change their childhoods.In one community we put in a new road and the kids started using their scooters the same day, before we did that they were riding on dirt roads with Razor Scooters, yikes.

The older and broken down the building is, the more you want to put away. 5% for repairs: Again, this will depend on the property condition, but I also reserve 5% for repairs because I have an old house.5% for lawn: If you plan to live in the area, I would just buy a used lawn mower for $100 and do it yourself.

If you haven't put the best possible,  experienced people around you, I might suggest getting involved with your local real estate investment groups...many of these people will have experience and contacts that could help walk you through the steps required to make this project safe and profitable or to show you why it might be something to walk away from. 

If I'm putting $40K down on a land deal, I'm getting the deed!

Appraisers utilize the MLS to determine the value of properties when putting together a report.

If you're interested in multifamily, 1-4 units is more straightforward than 5+ units since that puts you into the commercial space.

You could put both names or create an LLC if it's a rental.

If you're house hacking, you can put 5% down + closing costs to get into a property.

I am looking to put a property on the rental market in VA and received a contract from Property Mgt Company that wants 6% of the total sales price if I sell to a tenant they screened for my rental.

If a desk doesn't fit in the room, then maybe you can put the desk in another room.