that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I work with new investors all the time and have to get past newbie investor puberty which include Shiny Object Syndrome and  the mindset that this business is Quick Money with little to no effort (thanks to Social Media). 

I would include servicing costs of the loan and licensing costs.

Lenders often include a portion of the cash flow in the investment property as income to you personally to offset the DTI. 

That way, there is some type of cushion to help against any high usage months, should they just happen to use more than your previous tenants did, or if you unfortunately get tenants who abuse the "utilities included" opportunity. 

It may be easier to include utilities in the rent.

You should track your own units expenses as well so when you move out, you can quickly reclaim any expenses or depreciation you built on the personal unit when converted into a 2nd business unit which would then be included on your schedule E.You also write off half of your property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, or any shared expense.

The risk is not including due diligence caveats in your offer, like inspections.   

There is roughly $20,000 left in rehab including windows, floors, a new kitchen and bathroom. 

A real estate lawyer can help you navigate the specifics, including ensuring you don’t inadvertently trigger any unintended tax consequences.A few tips to consider:Check with your mortgage lender: If there’s a loan on the property, transferring it to an LLC could violate the loan’s due-on-sale clause.