The only exception is if you find private sales that happen "off market" (not through listings).

It just says 50% of the rent will go to expenses except debt service.

Go look it up on the IRS website and then let us know.Can't speak to the PM's practice of having their clients sign that form, except that they are trying to make their life easier by avoiding having to do the withholding of taxes - that can be a PITA to do since the withheld funds have to be sent to the IRS.

There are few exceptions to that,  you should contact your 401k plan administrator in inquire about 'In-services distribution'.

Except for little tiny towns only locals know about (most likely not ones in CO though) or the ghettos.

That being said, maybe you could do some property management on the side so you get a flavor for what it's like to lord the land and steepen your learning curve while you save up for your first investment.In any event, welcome aboard Hoss!

The roommate has been current on his rent and seems like a nice enough guy except for a couple of disturbances to the other tenants in the building with loud music and excessive noise, nowhere enough for me to want to kick him out myself.

Only vague memory of someone who remembers something.Original inspector for that case is no longer with the city.No one else remembers.I went to their permits section and pulled their permits, but nothing turned up except a scan of old survey which is no longer legible for the most part.Then I went to the property appraiser's office and asked if they have records of the property's square footage record over the years.

Not really and real difference unless the L/P has a default provision with damages and that probably isn't done except in unique situations, and no, don't go there as some strategy, damages may be applicable in commercial transactions.Actually, neither one is best as each may be unique.An option doesn't tie up a property as it can be sold subject to that option.

So if they except my offer and the inspection goes OK then I will have my first Rental after a little rehab