Anyone have an investor CPA or Legal council that is gifted in setting up structures for optimal tax benefit without sinking too much into the effort?

Use 8% for vacancy, 5% for maintenance, and you can start with 5% for management but in reality you won't get somebody to manage a four family for 5%.

The reality is there is a difference between quality and perfection.  

If thinking like this article continues to grow, then being a true real estate investor is a great place to be:)As a home owner too, this article is actually very depressing because it breaks the reality of home ownership.  

We ended up getting two bedrooms for the kids with walk in closets, a nice bathroom with double sinks and tiled shower/bath for the kids, an 88 sq ft laundry room, a 160 sq ft office with build-in shelves, a family/media room, and a large master suite (500-600 sq ft) including custom closet built-ins, double sinks, double shower heads.  

We've been taking steps over the last couple years to make that dream a reality, educating ourselves, and my wife just finished her coursework to become a real estate agent.This site looks like a great resource.   

The reality is, it's up to YOU, whether you want to insure your investment against unknown disasters.

Tile comes out and a surround 3-piece goes in along with toilet and vanity and sink and likely new tub.

In reality, you'd likely need $50k ish in gross rents to achieve $24k NOI.

@Merry Briotta The harsh reality is it may not be priced right.