Do any of the lenders that replied here lend in Alabama? 

If you're competing for a hot property or need to close quickly, fast closings can make or break the deal.

Rundown and distressed properties sell just as fast on the MLS as they do off-market nowadays!

If you have any tips for a complete beginner, I’m all ears!

Thanks for all these replies...

Yes because lot of time and energy save we hire team for fast work.

Great replies here, and thank you for sharing examples of what you have or have not done as a private landlord.I do think there is a time and place to offer concessions, just not for people like you and me that are owning/managing portfolios smaller than an apartment complex with 100's of units.

Once again thanks so much for your reply.

As I wrote in another reply too - one more benefit for me is that in a way it's "forced savings" - I have to find a way to pay the bill...

Any tips on managing joint ownership or deciding to hold or sell would be greatly appreciated.