I could probably pound the note down below $429,000 pretty quickly, but don't want to be saddled with a higher rate for 30 years and would also like to avoid paying an additional $3,000 or whatever it is to refinance again later.

Starting with a commercial property (5+ units) will be pretty tough.Factor in you'll need 35% down payment in addition to a ton of other closing costs.

Can I charge an additional pet deposit and monthly pet fee?

Is it generally understood that in-order to get a pocket listing from a *commercial* multi-family broker, you will have that same broker represent both sides of the transaction (i.e. there is no additional "buying agent" involved?)

Do we accept putting additional cash into our first deal or do we keep our eyes open for another deal.Original Offer:Price: 153k ($31k into the deal)Anticipated rent: $2,000k/monthOperating expenses: $9.4k / year (includes management, cap ex, vacancy, taxes, insurance, etc.)Cashflow: $4.2k / yearCash on Cash return: 13.68%The appraisal came in at 146k and they raised some very valid points on why the property was not worth 153.  

There's a zombie duplex (with an additional trashed single wide) that I'm eyeing if I can get it for a song (cause let me tell you, this place is what nightmares are made of, but I'm a glutton for punishment).

Doing this creates additional problems and gives what already seems like someone with nothing to lose incentive to destroy your unit.

The Resident agrees to pay an additional $30.00 processing charge for each returned check unhonored by the bank in which it is drawn.So should I let the late fee and returned check fee slide?  

People will only see this as you trying to take advantage of the situation, I see it as you doing your job . buy discounted properties after a storm because owner are out of state and not possible for them to deal with big repairs..... or owners are scared of keeping those properties, and other potential problems.... 

There will be a flood of flooded properties at discount prices.