My parents did that strategically during this last downturn: sell at the top, take the tax hit, hold the cash, buy at the bottom.That is what makes this decision tough, we may not know what the best option is until after we have done it.

I'm looking to start with hold and rent as the market isn't conducive to fix and flip, with certain exceptions.

Hi Amanda, I inherited a property in Patchogue that my parents had bought 20 years ago.

I first ran this comparison against one of my parents rentals where they have had the same renter for 5 years. 

For example Business Structure in my case- I have an S-Corporation that serves as the parent company, each new property is an LLC under the parent S-corp..again you will have to consult your CPA etc.

This can help you in case they want to say you did any of this damage and seek damages or withhold deposit.

I grew up in DC area and had my parents there, so it was fairly easy for me.

Don't know the law in WA, but some states allow tenants to collect double or triple damages if the landlord inappropriately withholds security deposits.

My parents live in Boerne and I've always been quite curious to know how the wholesaling and flip market fare in Boerne.

The section 8 tend to have a more (parent,child) relationship with their case workers where they yell, scream, and complain to get what they want but never learn life lessons to start fending for themselves.Physically the tenants might be a certain age but mentality their growth arrested a long time ago.I am not saying all section 8 Is bad.