Additionally, we've used bonuses from re-upping and even have purchased two houses while overseas. 

Please message me and I'll send you the link to sign up. 

Find a deal that works with conservative numbers and then if you can reduce those numbers (management, maintenance, cap ex) then consider that additional cash flow bonus and temporary.

The numbers seem to work without having to rely on appreciation but that would be a bonus in a few years if this neighborhood follows what has happened just 5 minutes away.Thanks for your thoughts.

The numbers seem to work without having to rely on appreciation but that would be a bonus in a few years if this neighborhood follows what has happened just 5 minutes away.Thanks for your thoughts.

The house was a 2/1 with a bonus room and I was able to convert it a 3/2 with permits and got it rented within 2 months.

There are also numerous Meetups in the area; just sign up at Meetup.com and put in real estate investing related search terms to find some of interest. 

Investor Carrot has a lot of  good reviews, but what muddies the waters a bit for me is the fact that they do offer one of those "affiliate" programs (current customers get money back for getting new people to sign up).  

  * Finish the spaces and attach them to the current apartments as bonus rooms and charge higher rent (once current tenants move out).

For bonus credit, assuming I can rent one side at $990 or $950, what would you do with the established $850 a month month to month tenant?