But I would not worry about environmental testing.Seeing that you have a similar size property already that 1 maintenance man can handle, would be go with two at the beginning and reduce that to one after the deferred maintenance is caught up.

Appraisals are definitely something that investors need to be more proactive on.

I expect to reduce the rents by an amount that accounts for 75-80% of the current gas bill, with the other 20-25% to be found in both the tenants using the heat more efficiently and in better weather sealing and replacement storm windows.* Replacing all bulbs with CFL and including a replacement costs for any missing/non-op bulbs in the lease.

When that happens, find a lawyer and a CPA familiar with that world and let them help you navigate the waters.As a strategy, high leverage can be a good thing when you are starting out, but once you reach critical mass, it becomes an albatross around your neck.If your planning shows you need the income from 40 sfh rentals to support you through retirement you want those paid for as soon as possible after purchase.With each paid for house you do two things, you improve your financial strength going into any future deal and you reduce the real risk you face when things don't go as planned.A couple of years ago, we had the start of a major real estate correction.

The party being foreclosed can argue with the judge in some cases that the bank is selling the property under value and that the judgment being sought should be reduced or eliminated.They foreclose second liens all the time hoping someone doesn't check and bids on it.

But it's complicated and I agree sellers don't want to hear anything complicated.But here's ideas:- A seller taking payments over time spreads their capital gains taxes over the number of years the loan pays and reduces total taxes paid.- Turning a house into 10 years of payments is a way to leave a payment stream to heirs who would normally just waste the funds from selling the property after probate (someone who is older).- You can offer a much higher selling price if owner financed than a cash offer!

Including the garage may reduce turn over too.

You just need to try to reduce the fees to a minimum to help with marketing on the exists AND make sure that everything is broken out properly so the buyer's ratios don't get goofed up.

Starting December 1st, they are reducing the owner occupant bid period on FHA insured homes from 30 days to 15 days.

Also, write your letters in such a way to reduce or remove the need to adjust singular/plural, etc.The business cards are a good idea, as is the handwritten envelope.