Looks like institutional money is moving into real estate investor territory:[http://myrentalportfolio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Morgan-Stanley-SF-Report-Oct-2011.pdf]This scares me!

Maybe I just had good luck with this deductible system before, but what I really did was expose myself to more danger than I should have.

As of next week I'll have 6 closed in 4 months....it depends on how large of a territory you can exploit a niche (or two or three) in IMO.

the wealthy landlord knew this was an inherent danger but failed to install a railing to cut costs.

Lots of ideas and uniqueness come with this territory Alison

Other posts talk about the dangers of partnering with family and friends.

I just know enough to be dangerous.

(In such a situation, a tenant is entitled to a full refund of the deposit and a rent rebate) • The landlord has made a binding agreement to repair the premises • The landlord’s failure to repair the premises violates the covenant of quiet enjoyment of the premises (see explanation below) • The repairs are for the common areas • The repairs are necessary to correct a dangerous or hidden defect Express PromiseIf the tenant can show an express promise to repair by the landlord and a failure to fulfill that promise, the tenant has some options.

Dangerous game of musical chairs.I'm happy to walk and move on, using this as a template to judge future deals.

I called first national bank, they will do helocs on rentals BUT it must be within 50 miles of a branch and Michigan isn't in their territory.