At least with stocks you can cut your losses and move on, but not so with a mortgage.In central NC, there is a lack of supply and high demand, especially now during the summer.

Hook up with a few investor friendly REA's, and let them supply you.The bottom line of how comes from your answers to three questions you should ask yourself before you go any further:1 - What are your financial goals...as in your financial needs monthly and for total payoff of your personal debt.2 - What Market (Micro-Market actually) will deliver properties with financial profiles that will satisfy the needs from Q#1.3 - What Entrance/Exit Strategies (this refers to money...not "flip", "hold", "land contract", etc...) can/will you use to deliver the above 2 Questions.Only you can answer the above three questions, because they are specific to you....and a hint:  None of the answers involve a "%".

A few things to know:All short term rental hosts must submit an annual registration form, register with the Revenue Commission, post an evacuation plan and meet smoke detector requirements.

Not sure if much I could do with $13,000 unless I hustle a smoking deal or the market tanks in my area, doesn't seem likely.

Is sealer from Home Depot sufficient, or would there be a benefit to going with commercial grade sealer from a builders supply or tile store?  

There is some new inventory coming in TC, high-end stuff and more reasonably priced rentals are always in short supply.  

There are opportunities everywhere, you just have to train your eyes to spot them, your brain and mouth to create them, and your arms and legs to execute them.Yes, your market is expensive, and for good reason ... there is high demand and perpetually limited supply of housing.

Housing supply continues to dwindle relative to demand and it won't get any better in the anchorage bowl.

Recirculation does absolutely nothing to remove odors, smoke or steam.

You also might try Meeks or your local lighting supply as they will have better quality.