Here are things I also consider in my model (but I'm also an excel guru and work in investment management firm so i'm good with number crunching):estimated annual appreciation of (but you can bypass this if you assume that increase in your rent offsets all the expense increases):1. assets2. rents3.

From what I understand, it's partially to persuade people to upgrade to a pro account but mostly to prevent the forums from being flooded by PM's, agents, contractors, wholesalers, flippers, etc. who are just looking to advertise their products/services. 

@Dwight Sands, I've used Shine the Light Home Inspection before and he did an excellent job (https://shinethelighthomeinspection.com), and reasonably priced.

It rents for $1750/month and has had the same excellent tenant for years.

Amber has an incredible amount of experience in all aspects of managing properties and her husband Rick is excellent at finding value-add properties that others miss. 

I have never had a problem putting a new loan on them at that point with the original or a new lender at current interest rates.But that's generally because A) the properties had appreciated in value and B) there is quite a bit of principal pay-down on 20 year amm in the first 5 years.My decision has always been more about do I want to pull more money out, roll it into another 20 year product and lower the payment or continue paying it off on a 15 year schedule.To deal with those questions and answer your question about 'protection', is kind of a personal business decision.

I like the suggestions above,  hang around the Home Depot near the furnace/water heater products and see if you can find a guy who does side jobs.  

I I have some excel and programming skills while I also have spent some time analyzing processes.

Afternoon, I work for a Commercial/Residential brokerage firm in Phoenix, specializing in court ordered sales and judicial appointments; we frequently find ourselves with investor worthy product. 

WIth October being just around the corner, I have reached out socially to my property manager to ask for some advice on neighborhoods, strategy, finance products, ect.