Planning, Bldg  & Safety, Public Works, etc).

Of course, there is more crime on average in the city than in the suburbs but you will find that safety and demographics vary from widely from block to block. 

By owning both less expensive ad more expensive houses, you can have the safety of the lower priced houses and the upside potential of the higher priced ones.Therefore I concluded that I only want to have a combination of single family homes and possibly an apartment building in my retirement portfolio.

First, make sure your rental property is up to code, and that you take appropriate measures for safety and repairs.

But before we dive into the formula, let's meet the players in this real estate drama:Rental Income: The star of the show – this is the money you receive from renting out your property.Mortgage Payment: The giant elephant in the room – this can be a hefty expense, but don't worry, it's worth it in the long run.Property Taxes: The government's cut – just like paying taxes on your salary, you have to pay taxes on your rental property too.Insurance: The safety net – protects your property and your finances in case of natural disasters or accidents.Repairs and Maintenance: The handyman – because things break, it's just a fact of life.Utilities: The energy boosters – keep your tenants comfortable and happy.Property Management Fees (if applicable): The middleman – if you don't have the time or patience to deal with the day-to-day responsibilities of being a landlord, this is the solution.Now that you know the players, let's get to the formula:Actual Cash Flow = Rental Income - (Mortgage Payment + Property Taxes + Insurance + Repairs and Maintenance + Utilities + Property Management Fees)It's simple, yet powerful.

There's a little grey area here I want to understand (and manipulate as best I can quite honestly) so that I have a safety net if I need it.Thanks for the link though. 

I would prioritize finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.There are 20+ accountants on this message board who specialize in real estate taxation.

(A) A landlord who is a party to a rental agreement shall do all of the following:(1) Comply with the requirements of all applicable building, housing, health, and safety codes that materially affect health and safety;(2) Make all repairs and do whatever is reasonably necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;(3) Keep all common areas of the premises in a safe and sanitary condition;(4) Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning fixtures and appliances, and elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord;(5) When the landlord is a party to any rental agreements that cover four or more dwelling units in the same structure, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of a dwelling unit, and arrange for their removal;(6) Supply running water, reasonable amounts of hot water, and reasonable heat at all times, except where the building that includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for that purpose, or the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility connection;(7) Not abuse the right of access conferred by division (B) of section 5321.05 of the Revised Code;(8) Except in the case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, give the tenant reasonable notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.

A roof on a $75k house that rents for $800 is going to cost roughly the same as a roof on a $250k house of similar size and type that rents for $1,800.From my experience, cash flow on residential property starts to look better at the 1.5% Rule or better, and at price points of at least $150k.Good for you for making a conservative analysis and prioritizing cash flow! 

In some instances, legal regulations prohibit people from carrying out certain tasks, such as administering life-saving support, that are considered morally permissible actions.FULL ANSWERSome laws generate few negative responses, as their intent to protect and promote the safety and well-being of the public is virtually indisputable.