We were unable to go back to the house to look at it (we're new at the landlord thing, and uncomfortable with DIY in the plumbing world).

Two - (this is the escrow part) the HOA is in charge of regular maintenance of the exterior and "routine" painting of the exterior as it even says in their own rule book.

(Because it's "free")I actually don't like to be hot so 70 is about the highest I would go (if heat were totally free) without thinking it was uncomfortable.65 in most of the house during the day when I'm alone, 66 in my office (Which is a separate zone) when I'm working for a long stretch, 67 when the family is home.Now if AC was free I'd crank that sh*t down to like 62 in the summer, but it isn't so generally keep that at 66-68 as well.

you can fund in a revocable living trust and real names only (live persons names) with respect to agency financing Fannie Freddie ginnie govt agency's.I have a lot of investors who take their properties out and while some who are uncomfortable with that momentary exposure will utilize portfolio financing each person will have to find their own comfort zone between the pros and cons of each product.

There are a lot ways to learn and as for being a paid mentor, I think you would find yourself in very uncomfortable positions.

I then confessed that I was doing due diligence to make sure a rental application had been submitted by these guys and I verified their first names which checked out.She then called the guys, who then called me and apologized if they made me feel uncomfortable.

Is it something lenders routinely do?

I have at least five direct coworkers (people I work with routinely, my boss for one) that also own rentals.

Great "deals" are made routinely by investors and motivated sellers in every area of the country weekly or daily.

Out of that $540 you're paying:TaxesInsuranceUtilities (at least when vacant)Legal costsCPA costs (or, higher taxes if you try to DIY your taxes)Vacancy (even if just for a week or two during turnovers)Routine maintenance (inevitable, stuff really does break)Make ready costsTenant damage in excess of security depositsCapitalThe 50% number is well supported by large data sets.