I also would not spend the extra money for crown moulding.  

You might get a few extra bucks in rent, but it's not going to pay for the siding/windows.

I used to do painting and faux finishing for 20+ years so I took my design knowledge and started designing all of our houses myself. 

I think the laws here require you to rent the apartment as quickly as possible to release the tenant if they want to end the lease anyway, so you aren't getting more than maybe an extra month of rent from them. 

It may sound nice to pay a 5% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no add-on fees.

Depends on their motivation.If you get a relative to sell you an extra home they no longer want, they might be up for zero down.

It's a great way for me to learn and eventually make some extra cash on the side doing something fun.Is photography your main business?

Its a wealth of knowledge and we have a lot of syndicators on the forums. 

(if not bring some extra dollars)b) I like when buyers walk in to the house their feeling is, "I like the bells and whistles."

Total monthly payment (assuming taxes and insurance are included): $2205 + $417 = $2622Lease amount: $200075% of Lease: $1500$1500 - $2622 = ($1,122)That's an extra $1,122 per month that will be counted against you just like an extra monthly payment.With a monthly salary of about $7000 and great credit, there's a good chance you will qualify for a monthly payment @ 50% DTI, or $3500 / month.