I have a friend who recently moved from Germany to California and is attempting to rent his apartment, in Germany, by owner but isn't having any luck.

Paying cash for your home... don't even attempt that until someone competent in numbers (hint - not a realtor, a CPA) runs a comparison for you - paying cash versus putting 20% down and getting a tax deduction on the mortgage interest while putting the 80% in cash that is still in your pocket to good use earning interest.  

However in an active market it might be well worth your effort to attempt it.  

I have no experience in this area at all, so I wouldn't attempt it myself. 

Best of luck to you and your endeavors!

I do not know anyone with a special needs child attempting anything like I am contemplating.  

I wish you much success on your future real estate endeavors and if I can help just let me know.

A quick description of the property is SFR 3/2 - Cape Cod, 2 car garage, fenced in yardLoan 24yr @ 4.25%, balance = 150K,   FMV 210KProperty rents for $1475, CF $326 - 50% maintenance = pocket $163Property will need new roof within next 5 yearsI would like access this equity for future RE endeavors.

I will give you some more advice, do not attempt to buy real estate when you make 6k a year.

@David Faulkner I completely agree that the numbers don't mean anything without a solid team on the ground and it'll be a long time and several visits to IN before I even consider buying anything, but as a result of this exercise I:have a spreadsheet (a starting point at least) that I can use in the future learned that Trulia estimates for insurance aren't accurate for investment propertiesfound a property tax calculator for the area Posting this is an attempt to network with others on the forum without being the guy that just says "is this good deal?"