Not knowing your holding period isn't a good sign --as it often also means not knowing your exit strategy and will likely spook any anyone trying to fund a deal.From an FHA standpoint, 3.5% compared to 20% for down payment may be good (less hit to the wallet) but also may be moot in terms of getting a deal to make sense for a noob investor in LA.

Real estate is not a widget, nor does it trade in a widget like market nor is it comparable to non-essential items, like a car or boat.

Vegas has a lot of inventory comparing to Fresno.

@kristal the 1% or 2% rule is the amount of rent you should charge your tenants compared to the amount you owe for the property.  

They then subtract what they determine the value (V) will be on comparable sales and assume the difference is their profit.

Of course if you compare what they go toward to that of a SFR, some would say it's a break even and other's would say it's not and that SFR "costs" can be better controlled.

How accurate do you think it is and how does it compare to actual MLS that realtors use?

., the court found that in determining unconscionability, the trial judge may consider: 1) the amount of the proposed rent increase; 2) the landlord’s expenses and profitability; 3) how the existing and proposed rent compare to rents charged at similar rental properties in the geographic area; 4) the relative bargaining position of the parties; and 5) based on the judge’s general knowledge, whether the rent increase would shock the conscience of a reasonable person.In my opinion if you're basing the increase on market conditions and not on trying to take advantage of anyone or increase the rent as a way to eliminate a tenant you'll probably be fine.

As for the dental, you can compare the market rate to other office in the area to access an economic value but having your own building and leasing it to your practice has other benefits ( taxes to name one).

When you have large cash flow (compared to your overall debt), rebuilding or fixing your credit becomes reasonably simple.