I'd probably lean towards just increasing the rent a bit more than you originally planned and only for new tenants, require a deposit.

Hey Edwin, Are you planning on starting out in Sacramento?

Everything here is a trade off and if you're interested in long term planning, it's best to ensure you fully understand how it all works before jumping in.

The key to success in real estate investing lies in thorough research, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions.

This is a good lesson for future tax planning.

They listing had a failed pending sale and eventually my brother talked them down to $400k sales price planning to buy it on his own.

I had been busy doing other projects and this place was on the low priority.

It helps me write and clarify things but its not going to double my business, its great for some of the minor tasks today.

I am planning on buying a primary residence that I can get as a decent fixer-upper.

(and I have full time job so time is limited)Here’s a breakdown of my investment plan–I would greatly appreciate any guidance and recommendations on making this (or some version of this) happen.PropertyLocationAttributesB-level areas (A-D scale)Safe enough for my girlfriend to feel generally safe walking alone in the eveningWalkable neighborhood / close to transit (car ownership not necessary to live there)Area(s) of interest (not set in stone)Jersey City areaConditionB or C-level (A-D scale)Semi-distressed with potential for minor rehab upgrades ($35k max)DealbreakersFoundational issues / big required rehab due to FHA 203(k) max for streamlined versionSize2-4 units (higher the better)2-4br per unit preferredMax Budget (FHA loan limits)NYCSingle-Family Home: Up to $1,089,300 + 3.5%Duplex: Up to $1,394,775 + 3.5%Triplex: Up to $1,685,850 + 3.5%Quadplex: Up to $2,095,200 + 3.5%Hudson County, NJSingle-Family Home: Up to $1,149,825 + 3.5%Duplex: Up to $1,472,250 + 3.5%Triplex: Up to $1,779,525 + 3.5%Quadplex: Up to $2,211,600 + 3.5%TimelineTitle in-hand latest: Jan-Feb 2025Can potentially buy earlier if I sublet my current apartment in NYC as needed (lease expires Mar 1, 2023)Rehab: 30-45 days max of minor rehab/renoMove-in: on or before Mar 1, 2025 (hard deadline)FinancingLoan type: FHA or FHA Streamlined 203(k) for rehab <=$35kPossible conventional loan if I seek investment from family/friendsApproval statusGoal is to get pre-approved now in advance for credibilityMy statsEmployment: Full-time at large bankIncome: low-mid 6 figuresAssets: low-mid 6 figures (including 401(k))Credit score: 800DTI: 2.5% (student loan)Thank you in advance for your support.