Is there a certain amount of savings or financial cushion that experienced investors recommend before jumping in? I

The predicament we are in is the property is not in the condition to charge that much for rent and we would also leave a lot of money in the deal once we refinance if we cannot get in there to fix it up.

When I look at the equity and the 15% Capital gains tax bracket I would likely be in, I would avoid ~$24,000 in taxes if sold before Aug. 2025.- I am aware of my 1031 options should I want to sell and defer taxes beyond that 3-year date (and would need to continue to do so until death if I wanted to avoid those taxes instead of just defer them). - I believe the current rental situation I have is better than the property warrants.

I would rather just refer them to a friend in my network for free.Seller financing works well with someone who wants cash flow for a longer period of time than I am working in. (I

Aim for $500/mo min and even that won't allow you to tap into unless that's after cap ex, management, vacancy is factored in. I

In my area a house call for locksmith is going to cost $75-100 just to walk in the door, so $135 all in is not that big a deal.Not a hill I want to die on....... use it as a learning moment for the tenant- ALL repairs need to be approved by you BEFORE they are done.

The house, in the condition it is in, is currently appraising at about 350k.

Quote from @Andrew Steffens: There are probably more experienced people on this type strategy who will hopefully chime in.  I

Quote from @Brendan Jones: When it's a home you intend to live in, I lean towards focusing on what you want, then making it work as best you can as a short-term rental.

I would dive straight in. I