There are a lot more details about houses appreciating or growing in value and about paying down a mortgage, but this is a very basic answer to your question.hillbillywilly

All Cash, that was detailed and honest analysis, but it looks like you overlooked one important point.

Any other details?

Without knowing more specifics it would be hard to point you in the right direction.If you would like to give more details I would be happy to answer as best I can.

The problems that I dealt with during my first year as a landlord:Water pipe burst / total rehab of 1 unitPay-as-you-go general contractor that didn't finish the work on the unitMold / complaint filed with Health DepartmentCrack in foundation that let water come into 1 unit every time it rainedGot locked in to a below-market-rent section 8 rentalMarketing for vacant unitsTenant disputesSection 8 dispute (although in this case it earned me $1900 :mrgreen: )Fortunately I haven't had to deal with evictions yet, but I know they'll come in due time.

I'll need new electric service, furnace & hot water heater . . . so, all and all, there is no MAJOR renovating, simply getting these 2 units operational. . .If you know of any good, reliable, and reputable contractors in the area, please PM me, or send me their details.

I know it's not all that complicated, but I don't know the details.

See next section for more details.4.

Let's see, you're a total newbie, these guys are PROFESSIONALS, you don't seem to know any details of the financing or the deals.

Keep one vary important statement in the back of your mind when investing "The Devil is In the Details".