Not sure how the market is where you are, but here short sales are not too common and only slight deals when they do come up.

I am fortunate that duplexes, specifically "shotgun doubles", are a very common architectural style in my city. 

@Kusmayadi Djunaidi  not common for PM to hold your reserves.. at least in SFR small value assets maybe for big multi million dollar commercial deals.

@Elena Jobson  from what you describe... anyone telling you to get a lawyer is very poor advice the money you would spend on a lawyer would be more than to fix a few plumbing leaks and a dishwasher that probably just needs the plug taken out of it.hot markets are like this.. in many markets you only get an inspection for your benefit the seller does no repairs its that hot.if you really think you have a bone to pick this is what small claims is for. along with checking on the permits.. if this is a licensed contractor he may have a bond and any contractor does not want a complaint filed. these things happen we build brand new homes and there is always a punch list. and such.. its just common.

Professional tenants are becoming a more and more common entity.

There are usually multiple offers and bidding wars are common.

If you got in with only 20% you would actually being doing really well. 25-40% is more common.

I also do consulting.I help owners of real estate with creative real estate solutions that solve common, but complex, real estate problems.

It is not common that the realtors know how to determine ARVs; they are usually more trained for retail sales.

How much are other people paying for health insurance, that is not provided by ones spouses job or job?