We use professional crews that can cut, edge, and blow off all the decks and hardscapes in 25 minutes and the yards look great - no more complaints from the city or neighbors. 

Almost done paying off my first property and looking to learn more before growing my portfolio of LTR properties. 

.© lerbank - iStock/Getty Images PlusThe spring housing market is off to a sluggish start, with home sales falling in March.

If I'm wanting to lend money to someone with my private money, for them to purchase or refinance and I'd be recorded as the 1st position lender, would that money be a tax write off?

For anyone who has read my last few posts; I've been struggling with finding funding for a deal in my pipeline.It's an incredible deal: off market, with insane value-add potential, motivated sellers, under market asking price, and the ability to cashflow $2k+ after rehab.

(How to deal with existing mortgage during the gifting process... prefer mortgage gets paid off, rather than become part of the gift.)Much thanks

I immediately looked at the portfolio and raised some rents I had been putting off doing which was a start in a better direction but not an actual solution.

You could ask your accountant about options for bonus depreciation or possibly updating the properties in order to receive depreciation deductions or write-offs for repairs, maintenance, etc.

Good news is rates are starting to trend down and property values are still growing.The cash out can serve two puposes it can help pay off some high interest credit cards and be used for a down payment. 

You would literally be better off selling and buying an identical home in the neighborhood raising your cost basis.