I've just learned after 40+ yrs in business that you can't count on anything...might be a good idea to drive more people directly to you instead of someone else...?

People break up at 1 yr, 5 yr, even after 50 yrs.

I find it is mighty helpful to start with the goals in mind, assess your current situation and plot a course to bridge the two.GoalsStart building a rental portfolioNeeded a place to live and did not want to rentSafe locationSubsidized living (house hack)GaragePrivacyAble to commute to workValue add play that I could do myself or hire a contractor without breaking the bankSolutionProperty: DuplexCondition: Cosmetic rehab & rents under marketNeighborhood: 1970ish, safe, long but doable commuteGarage, big yard & sub dividable – will build DADU eventuallyDid not match any of the "standard" rules.Results over time (5+ yrs)2x equityCash flows $1500/moFully rehabbedUsed a HELOC to finance another property’s rehab

The majority of people who bought properties over last 10 yrs, were told they were idiots when they did it; price is too high, rents too low, economy too slow, etc etc. 

@Amy ShutesIn a similar boat as OP .OO Triplex PP $725kloan amount $505k (27 yrs left )PITI $3700Rent From Two units $5000Expected Sell Price 1 MilNeed to relocate but confused on whether to sell or holdAppreciate your inputs

I wouldn't mind learning but I also don't have much runway being 44 yrs young. 

He has 25+yrs of experience in our county/ Board Certified. 

If the home appreciates to less than this after 15/30 yrs (some areas do) and the annually tax benefits don’t help, it was a liability and you would have saved by renting.

BS Arch (4 yrs) or BArch (5 yrs) degree. 

Fam owns home 15 yrs. mom lost job in 2012 had to file bankruptcy.