I find it helps alot when you understand the basic.

In most areas most techniques will probably fly, basically, but here's the issue.Even if some site gives you access to a state approved attorney, just being state approved doesn't really give you insight to what some county judge might say, for that you need a local attorney.

Bob Lowry The 2% "rule" is based around a 25-50K house and like Jon said assumes a 6% interest rate, so obviously as you start messing with the basic concept it becomes skewed and doesn't effectively work anymore.

Basically the PM made a difficult tenant situation even worse, then left me holding the bag once it got too sticky.

This is just a basic run down.

Marc is right.You will basically be caught above any SS that might be accomplished or proceeds less holding costs from foreclosure.

Begin with the basics, real estate basics like text books, RE schools, from there you can look to strategies, the basics and knowing what is acceptable, common practice in your area will keep you out of trouble, which is easy to get into in RE.

Once my rentals provide enough income to support my basic needs and lifestyle I will switch to building my net worth and upgrading my portfolio.

Please bear with me.The thought of "rent credits" should be wipped out of mind, the words never spoken, the concept forgotten and there should be punishment for even thinking in those terms....

Many GCs I know would be happy to do a walk-through and put together a basic estimate for $50-75.You should also get to the point where you can do basic estimating yourself, to save yourself the time and expense.