I am brand new to REI.

@Ben Grise If you get the e-book and put it on your phone or tablet, you can have it read to you while you drive ... if you do not mind Marvin the Paranoid Android as narrator.

I did not include:( Hopefully, I can get through the first year with minimal costs in that area because all appliances, carpet, hot water heater etc are brand new.

Originally posted by Craig E.: I've flip flopped on this.

@Mike Wallace e This sounds like the condos I have been checking out in Waterford.

I've painted paneling the same color as the other walls, without spackling, which tends to come loose.Also have removed paneling and if walls ok or needed a little patching, then paint.Or if walls are real bad then you can add 1/4 inch drywall, its about the same thickness as the old removed paneling and makes the walls look brand new and has the backing of the old plaster underneath.

The owner says the roof was brand new replaced for about $15,000 in 2007/2008.

My personal favorite is the E-myth and 4 Hour Work Week.

.- If the property you buy is already a rental, ask to see historical returns based upon their Schedule E filings.- Educate yourself regarding capital expense items such as roofs, mechanical's, etc.

Since the summer I've been reading financial success books such as "Think and Grow Rich" and "The E-myth".