Once you get into small apartment complexes the financing changes to commercial financing which typically has adjustable rates after a certain time.I might be in the minority here but I also set a nice amount aside for my 401k to help be more diversified even though real estate is my first love. 

If the shot is off, adjust based how you missed and shoot again.

We all call it the "mystery" house, because no one can figure out why it would be sitting vacant for so long, without adjusting the price as necessary to sell?

For 2017, I am adjusting my thought process slightly...

Refinancing Your Mortgage: When It Makes SenseImportant considerations for when refinancing is a good financial move.Refinancing your mortgage can offer a way to take advantage of low interest rates -- or, if your mortgage payments have become oppressive, an escape from adjusting rates, increased payments, or reduced income.

@Carol Venolia Hopefully the firs storm misses you, but if it doesn't, the insurance adjuster will want you to show proof of what ever you lost. 

The low total interest I'm paying each year combined with my curiosity to personally see the interest adjustment play out on a low principle balance changed my thinking.With a small remaining balance, the difference between the two approaches (maximize leverage v minimize debt) is too small to worry about.

I doubt if we have the hardness you recorded but yearly preventative maintenance of any system is imperative to longevity.Given the precarious attic location I would definitely review the obvious advantages of an on-demand system.I have also designed a simple fix for the 'cold water sandwiching' issue that plagues the on-demand systems with feed water temperature fluctuations common in colder climates. 

If so, wouldn't it be better to use some type of adjusted number as (hopefully) a property does not turn over ever year? 

I just finished negotiating the sale of one of our single family rentals and got me wondering if anyone has anything unusual they like to throw out in a counter offer to "sweeten" the deal without just lowering the price or adjusting closing costs.