Things often DO take longer, and cost more, than expected. 

As I grow and expand my business, I would like to start doing most, if not all, of my direct mail in-house to save mailing costs in the long term.

Similar green energy investments could be considered if you can make the numbers work (credits on some types of low income housing can be north of 50%).Depending on how long these properties have been held, they could consider implementing cost segregation studies via a change in accounting method to accelerate some depreciation.The operating proceeds could be re-deployed into new properties where cost segregation is an option to accelerate depreciation to offset proceeds.If the properties are low basis and we are not maximizing the 199A deduction, maybe considering an S-Corp structure for management to be able to participate in retirement plans and also generate wages to use as a 199A base. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

In 12209 you want to be on Delaware Ave or preferably west of it. 12208 is the area around Albany Med/Law schools which has a lot of good neighborhoods but prices are higher and cap rates are low.

I have yet to syndicate but plan to and have heard from many to not syndicate unless the deal is over 1M as the costs associated can hurt the financials significantly.

Do you know what the costs should be? 

A year of rent sounds great on the surface but I'm wondering why they wouldn't just pursue a normal year long (long term) rental...maybe they've been bad renters or have bad credit or low income.

And also, pricing at 7% with that low of a FICO is highly unlikely, unless I am missing something here@Robin Simon I'm not familiar with the quote but confirming our minimum FICO currently is 640 however if there is a partnership (multiple full joint and several recourse guarantors) we currently take the higher of the two median FICOs if equal ownership % Also - 7.625% is certainly in our ballpark currently - doesn't seem unreasonable with our rates right now! 

It seems there is a significant discrepancy with the cost of housing (very high) and rent (much lower then the cost of housing).