Where did the extra 1.5% come from?

He also will tell me when the thinks I should take a different approach or am wrong, and I listen.So, the things I'd draw from this are, setting clear expectations with the landlords you work with, and maintaining a good rapport with tenants (that does reduce vacancy rates and people moving out, in my view), and being willing to go the extra mile (within reason).

BUT If I if I buy a place for $100K, force appreciation to $200K and refinance it for $200K aren't I assuming an extra $100K in debt?

Truth is, I don't even remember if that was mentioned in the book (maybe I should read that again...).

Some local areas have been having success installing planter boxes on extra wide sidewalks.

I won't be gouged, but I'll pay a little extra, because ultimately I know it was my fault for what is happening now. 

I asked our buyer for 2,500 non refundable if he doesn't close  in three weeks, he did that and we ammended the closing date.If that doesn't work and you have a really sweet deal, you can also ask him how much extra he needs to stay in he deal.

Things could change when I'm a year or two away from the 10-year loans being paid off I may just get them done early and open the cash flow but I'm not going to dump a couple extra hundred dollars to a 30-year loan to pay it off in 15.

If you have some extra money to cover maintenance, great.

But can anyone convince me that putting a little extra effort in the design can be worth it in long-term rentals?