Also, the repairs that the property management company does, they charge me arm and a leg to do the repairs so now i have started hiring people on my own outside to do my repairs which has helped with costs. 

For anyone familiar with the area, what would be a reasonable amount for annual repairs to build into a model?

The cost of the materials was $1,500, and including labor I’d estimate this cost me about $3,000.The property manager never ran this by me or gave me an indication these project would be completed.Our service agreement is clear that written consent is needed when costs exceed $1,000 and in this instance these were not repairs and requirements needed to rent the property.

If you find someone that seems to know a lot of people needing your services, wouldn’t it make sense to focus more resources on them?

Thanks for your service also. =)

Then have a few pool companies give bids, you both agree on the final bid and if the cost from the pool company comes in under the amount, the seller gets their escrowed funds back less the cost of the repairs, if not the funds are used to complete the repairs when the time comes. 

So, I've only had to get my cleaner in a few times.My tenants tend to either be too nice or too scared to bother me with small repairs. 

I used a HELOC on my home as a down payment and around $30,000 of my own money over the course of 6 months to repair it.

Given you have $200k-$225k in equity in your townhouse in Clayton, NC, this could serve as a substantial down payment for one or more new properties.Rehab: If the properties you purchase need updates or repairs, invest in making those improvements.

I will share my "Most Expensive Lesson" in the comments.To kick things off, here are ten examples of expensive lessons or mistakes in real estate investing:Underestimated Repairs: The classic pitfall where the cost of repairs and renovations far exceeds initial estimates, impacting the overall budget and profitability.Tax Liens: Failing to account for or being unaware of existing tax liens on a property can result in unexpected financial burdens.Contractor Liens: Not settling payments or disputes with contractors can lead to liens against your property, complicating sales or refinancing.HOA Fines: Overlooking or violating Homeowners Association (HOA) rules can lead to significant fines and headaches.Bad Loan Products: Opting for loan products without fully understanding their terms can lead to unfavorable financial conditions, such as higher interest rates or unfavorable repayment terms.Ignoring Zoning Laws: Investing in a property without a clear understanding of local zoning laws may restrict its use, affecting your investment strategy.Overpaying for a Property: Lack of research or getting caught in a bidding war can result in paying much more than the property's worth.Neglecting Due Diligence: Skipping thorough inspections and background checks can uncover unpleasant surprises after the purchase is finalized.Poor Tenant Screening: Failing to properly screen tenants can lead to unpaid rent, property damage, and costly evictions.Underestimating Market Risk: Not considering market fluctuations can lead to investments that don't pay off as expected, especially in volatile or declining markets.We've all been there in one way or another, facing setbacks that seemed daunting at the time.