If an agent specializes in real estate investing, they should thoroughly vet each property they present to you ensuring that it will show positive cash flow in the current and projected conditions.

Agree with Frank PatinoI would consider using my investments to pay off bad debt- Plus if the property is building equity from paying down the loan and increasing in value by the time you do retire the account you have now should be a fat little piggy bank.

Ask them the terms and conditions for qualifying.

Yes if your money is tied up or you want to increase volume it is completely valid to need hard money. 

Second, how do you avoid surprise tax increases, or is that just a part of the risks?

I have been using a Rich Dad Cash on cash return on investment excel sheet - but it doesn't allow for extended yearly projections with renovations and increases in rent. 

consider proximity to an airport wit reasonable fares,  Manty and Trivers (local speak) are a Hike to Milwaukee Airport, and Green Bay is quite expensive to fly out of. just a thought, Unless you fall into a great deal, a $50-70K 4plex is gona be pretty rough,  both in condition and location, get familiar with the areas, and if you do settle in Manty, Just remember its Cooler Near the Lake, not sunglasses and board shorts cooler, like 50 degrees in late June, and 20 miles west its 80 degrees. just considerations.  

@Ethan Epps- yes, anytime we can divide the land and development cost amongst more for-sale units, we can increase profits.  

WOW - - that dissolves all terms and conditions of the HOA agreement, opening a window for all kinds of things. 

“Because the $20,000 took so much away from their equity to put into another home, they decided not to sell,” she said.Another client of Chaname had difficulty selling his home because would-be buyers balked at paying $16,000 more for a home with HERO-financed air conditioning, duct work, water heater and insulation when similar homes were selling for less.The buyers argued they were paying for the improvements twice – through the higher valuation on the house and assumption of the loan.