However, I make sure my ad provides the specifics such as "Pets with owner approval; no puppies please, no aggressive breeds".This, of course, assumes that applicants READ the posting; an assumption I'm finding is more hopeful than realistic with some of the contacts I'm getting.BTW, after several years of having to fix up pet damage/fleas we finally started including a pet deposit of $250 but are generous (I think) in returning this deposit at the end of the lease if the pets do not do damage. 

But even those they are looking at the numbers for commercial/small biz (not personal) mortgages.I too have been following the "appreciation" is a bonus bigger pockets trend, though with my 5 and up units I certainly focus on forced appreciation, primarily by just raising rents. 

I don't buy for appreciation, although that is always a nice bonus but I always buy for cash flow (so far in the 10-20% range).Given that, each house typically has 20-25% down.Closing costs are typically about $5,000.All in, for each property, I'm having to to write a check for $25,000-$40,000.From there, I put a renter in it and bam I'm cash flowing.

It can contribute to mosquitoes and overall tenant dissatisfaction with the property, but unless it is in your budget to fix I'd probably label it a bonus if you can do it versus a must-fix.

I had a really sweet bonus on this home though.

You need to evaluate them just like anyone else, but having a BAH allowance combined with their Commands enforcement of their pay is a major bonus.

Part of the flexibility in all this is I view PITI + improvements to the property as cost of living for my partner and myself, so all income generated will be bonus.

Being an accountant is an excellent skill to have especially working with budgets, money flow, profit/loss, etc. for fix & flips so that's a big bonus.  

I would highly recommend real estate investment if after 3/6/9 yrs you want out of the Guard you will be very stable.Keep in mind if they sign you for a bonus or education benefits you must uphold your obligation.If you at any time leave or get thrown out the money they give you they take back aka IRS they get their money one way or another lol I've seen it first hand with one of my soldiers they take it without warning. 

Rent roll, utility bills, insurance cost etc...Know that if you are in a primarily owner occupied area you will likely need to price for less than what similar vacant homes are selling for.Do prequalify your buyers extremely well.Do hire a Real Estate Agent (Bonus points: Hire an agent who does property management)Do market the home on the Bigger Pockets MarketplaceDon't.Attempt to market a tenant occupied home to owner occupied buyers.Don't show the home to every buyer who calls you.Don't expect your tenant to drop everything for a showing.Don't expect your tenant to clean their house for a showing.Don't chase pennies and miss dollars by selling FSBO.