I figure this would be a good way to "cut my teeth" so to speak and learn the ropes.

Not only it increases costs and cuts from your margin, it's also another cost to carry when you have vacancy.

Investing in something else might be the smartest move but I need to start cutting into some of this debt I feel.

Is he now going to cut corners th make up for the lower margin?

I then cut shims  to level the slope, then glued and nailed the shims to the top of the joists.

Our house and the acre was still enough to achieve our goal, but again something for people to be aware of because it did substantially cut the amount the bank will take as consideration.I will continue providing updates on our journey, but hopefully this information will be helpful to others looking at HELOCs to start their real estate investing future!

Cut out the PM's 8% and now we're talkin'!

Sandwich the cut joist on either side and move on?

If the code violations exist because someone had to come out and cut the grass or weeds then it will be listed with the department that does the delinquent property taxes. 

That's the backstory, and here's the new twist...I just got a letter from a lawn contractor, and unbeknownst to me, my renter had hired the contractor to cut the grass, and the unpaid bills totaled $952.