Maybe ask for $2000 for any deal you bird dog and an equal amount if the deal closes. 

Contrary to popular belief, this is not set because I believe it will give me a higher return.

Property would be a great deal at $750k, so if total payoffs equaled $700k or less, it would be worth pursuing in my mind.

@Ralph AceOld home usually equals not much insulation.

While you are somewhat correct on the limitations of a annual 401k limit, there are other after tax savings / investments that are equally important.

Protect your personal housing by not taking excessive risk with your RE investment acquisitions.What if the home next door for sale was a mile away, everything else equal?

These funds must be from your own sources -- gifts are not allowed.2) the property must pass a "self-sufficiency test". 75% of the market rents on all units (even the one you're going to live in) must equal or exceed the PITI.

In CA, the good neighbor act spells out that property line fencing is to be shared equally between neighbors for maintenance, repairs, and construction of new fencing if the fence is to be on the property line (the shared line).

I’m so excited to start investing, yet there are equal parts dread/fear as it feels like I still know close to nothing and the prospect of buying a home can seem so overwhelming.I know this was a very long introduction post and I’m truly grateful to anyone who took the time to read it through, let alone leave a comment or answer a question.

All things equal, being in a good school zone will help you fill vacancies faster and potentially charge higher rent.