@ Scott K, what is your deal with Detroit...geeze it seems like whenever you have something to say about the city its something bad...granted you don't like it but when you start to attack the residents you sound like an ignorant racist..EVERYONE from the city are not "HOOD RATS"  But when you stay in Madison Heights and probably scared to cross over the city lines you will most likely say those things..obviously if you go downtown where you feel safe you will probably say ignorant things like that.  

Joe, I am not sure the BP rules allow me to say on this forum, so to play it safe I'll PM you that info.

If you would take a cue from a few of the Japanese Carmakers.... 1) Toyota is moving the headquarters from Torrance to Plano Texas where property values are on the rise but still affordable in and around that area.2) Nissan moved from Torrance to Franklin Tennessee a few years ago where cash flow is very easy to find around that area as well.Cap rates here are very low but safe.

I agree with Jon to a point, the reason you have reserves is to cover unexpected expenses and having 6 months PITI means you'll generally have the payment covered, the regular rent may cover more such as a minor repair and clean ups for that vacancy.Having additional properties and holding funds for all isn't really necessary as a slush or escrow fund as the chances of having extended vacancies or expenses in all your properties at the same time is pretty slim.You should have the deductible for your hazard policy as well, if you have an insured loss you'll need.You also need to consider your ability to access other funds, not just from you fund but total assets and the ability to borrow quickly.Jon's method is pretty safe, but as you add more properties you can fine tune funds held in reserve taking into consideration your abilities to cover a disaster. :)

I know everyone says typically 3-6 months and if you want to be really safe go 12+months.1.

As for a solution, you might want to check out the list of "concerns" and consult your licensed electrician that should have taken care of these concerns, or have him write a response letter stating in his professional LICENSED opinion that everything is safe and to code.

By being a landlord, you're making an promise to provide safe & livable conditions for your tenants & in return they pay off your mortgage.

Greece is actually just a very small reason among a big pile of reasons that people want safe assets like US notes or US property (perceived to be very safe among foreigners) at the moment.  

You will be safe. 

A safe bet even for buy and holds.