The business model of a Realtor is to help you until you find your property with the hopes that that pays off in the end.  

But most do have their own washer/dryer.That tells me that everyone in my area is following the same model too. 

I've got one property that is a buy and hold and I'm looking into trying the buy-rehab-rent-refinance model next.

What i mean here is to know the essentials such as  where the water shutoff is, where the electric shut off is, where water pumps are and what kind of mechanics you have inside the building.Take note of the model numbers, year of manufacturer of certain vital equipment such as HVAC, water heaters and so on.

'we're on vacation' parties.So it's just different business models.

Nicer, cleaner, newer homes tend to make less cash flow, but you attract better tenants and when you take pride in your property the tenant is much more likely to take care of the home, and you have less turnover because your whole business model is around benefiting the tenant and they sense this and enjoy the mutually beneficial  relationship.  

Add in drugs and alcohol and even my model will see problems now and then.  

And those are the types of houses that are extremely difficult to get the discounts most investors need to make the numbers work.So, for me, I think those are the issues I'm seeing with your proposed model and possibly why you're seeing the cash flow numbers not looking so good. 1) You're looking for stuff too new and too nice that you won't be able to get the discounts most investors need.2) Without the discounts, it makes it really tough to cash flow right.What I would say is you either need to adjust your model or get creative in finding the discounts.

I strongly advocate Detroit but even more Strongly advocate against buying Turn Key properties and most other models people are trying.It takes more than a property manager to be successful in Detroit.

These are the 3 basic models we use. 1.