Not only are you paying for lower risk of vacancies, you are paying for peace of mind knowing that it's a lower risk compared to its peers.The way I am currently analyzing a property's rental potential is basically the "eyeball test" in that I ask myself "Would I actually WANT to live in this property myself?".

I consider that to be "revenue enhancement" enforcement, and a landlord would have to "lawyer up" to defend himself.

I want alerts for Augusta, but not for users named Augusta.   Can you add an option to exclude usernames from the search?  For example, I get alerts for this thread, because one of the user's last names is Augusta (it...

The property is a Class C asset and enjoys an exceptional location with easy access to local retail as well as commuting distance to Midland / Odessa MSA of 278,807 people.Operational Upside: The property currently has four down units while other units are under current market rents.Value Add Opportunity: Improvements to the parking lot to enhance the curb appeal and interior upgrades will allow for an upgrade of the tenant base, and increase rents.

You may pay a few hundred bucks, but isn't that worth the peace of mind over spending thousands on a property with problems?

As others have mentioned when using depreciation of the property and capital expenses, mortgage interest, and operating expenses your taxable income will be less than you may be thinking To speed up or enhance depreciation you can always cost segregate the property( talk to a Cpa) because it usually isn't worth it on single family properties.

You can order windows with different glazings to either enhance (needed up here where we have long winters) or reduce (needed in Tx where you have ample heat) solar gain.  

We've even put 20% down on stuff and have had it work, even more so after we sunk additional money into the place to enhance the units to become more desirable for renters. 

As far as land lording, I currently use a property management company that I am very happy with and they take care of everything for me, including the background checks and some included maintenance time per month. 8% is a small price to pay for that peace of mind.

If you consider the pacific (Which is more desirable) be aware that there are areas that are only accessible via a ferry (Puntarenas for instance).This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries in the world and I love it.