The exemption allowed results in a “taxable value” of either 75% of the “ATI fair market value” or the final Current Fair Market Value for the tax year of sale, whichever is higher.

We currently live in Houston, TX but we will be relocating to the Seattle/Bellevue area this summer for work.

:We use the cheapest ones that they provide at Lowe's, our handyman installs.

What was ABNORMAL were the interest rates for the previous 10-15 years which were unusually low. 2.

This vary heavily town to town. 20% down is great if buying strictly as investment but if you have a way of owner occupying I would explore that route and apply the 20% down to increasing value of property and instead using low money down loan. 

These range low 500s to the mid 600s.  

-Ray (see above) is the man and can get you hooked up with great rates and low-fees!

I think this is a calculation a lot of homeowners are making right now--especially if they have a low interest mortgage, equity, and their house will cashflow as a rental.The choice is a personal one of course, but I think your future self will thank you if you pull out some equity from your existing home with a HELOC for the downpayment on the next house and a cushion renting your current home, use a property manager as you have other things to do, and buy the next house and do the same thing again.

@Bryan HartlenManaging low-end properties can be demanding due to higher tenant turnover, increased maintenance needs, and frequent rent collection issues.

I am currently trying to learn as much as possible by reading books and listening to podcasts.