Also, any good books I should be reading to increase my knowledge of real estate?

Most MFRs I've seen are at 0.6% - 0.8%.Look at MFR sales in South BostonIn 2013, there were 39 units sold, with an average price of $727,949 and 37 days on market.In 2016, there were 36 units sold, with an average price of 1,272,467 and 50 days on market.A 73% increase in 3 years.3 bed rentals in South Boston over the last 3 months averaged $3,346.I've felt for a long time that the better deals are found south of Boston in Plymouth and Bristol counties.  

Whatever income the new buildout would produce would increase your value.

Although it did not make sense for me at the time since a shorter time frame increases the monthly mortgage payment, the bank accepted the deal. 

Do you just go with bland neutral colors (eg a coat of primer and grey/tope) or do you do something else?

Basically a question to ask: Is there something else I could do with that $2250 that would allow you to increase cashflow/rents by ~$50 per month or more?

Dead equity will decrease your potential income as opposed to increasing it.

It was like a $20 - $35 increase on my insurance. 

For full disclosure: I have invested a very small amount in GF to date and plan on increasing my investments by quite a bit in the coming months.

The current month, May'18, the median SFR was $295k, an 34k increase and 13% increase.Below is my forecast for remainder of year, and nothing in horizon that would say will  slow down.