Buy the right equipment and don't cheap out on the tools, process, or paint (I like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Pratt & Lambert avoid the big-box brands and don't fall for "paint and primer in one").

Additionally, I know there's some hesitation with using a turnkey provider, however, the key is to do your homework to select a great company that checks all of the boxes and operates in the markets you want to be in.

When you have multiple sources of self employed income, it falls outside their box. 

Use the @ sign and start typing their name, it will appear outside the box, double click and their name will appear in blue and they will be notified.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

We have had a water heater flood, an electrical break box fire, bed bugs and repairs galore, which have contributed to the insurance and continuous repairs being sky high.

We have had a water heater flood, an electrical break box fire, bed bugs and repairs galore, which have contributed to the insurance and continuous repairs being sky high.

A lot of them seem to be very much INSIDE the box thinkers and don't want to deviate from the standard at all.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

If I had gone to one of the big box stores I would have paid double for sure.