We knew there would be bumps in the road, we just didn't know how many.We began the search for our first deal in the most cost efficient way possible, Driving for Dollars (D4$).

I also installed high efficiency forced hot air systems rather than electric and extended the driveway to accommodate spaces for all three units which I include in the lease.

Depending on where your property is, there may also be city funded financing available, especially if you’re making energy efficient improvements.

Similar situation with regard to background and credit check efficiency; some states like Oregon and Washington have pretty strict regulations when it comes to what may or may not be released as part of someone's criminal records.

Normal Limited Company structure is not very tax efficient for properties.

Truth be told, if it did, and functioned with any real efficiency, it would be outlandishly expensive.

Looking at a project or to-do of any size and determining ahead of time what and how things can be done to be the most effective and efficient. 

Any advice on how to efficiently find or analyse geographies for cash-flow-positive, buy-and-hold investing?

-------------------------------------------------------------CONCLUSIONS:Affordable contractors specializing in the efficiency and organizational genius to serve the real estate investment community are in short supply because investors need to see this data quantified like they see the deals and strategies they spend their time on.  

Pay down the mortgage on my own home by $50,000 to reach 80% LTV (because I only have 5% equity on a 30 year 4.5% fixed rate mortgage with $80/month mortgage insurance).and/or2. put the proceeds from the sale of the rental condo in a tax efficient index fund, like VG consumer staples index or total stock market index.Given this info., would you recommend keeping the condo & renting it out to see if the value/rent increases?