“Backed out of a deal because we aren't allowed to do business in Texas" -Zach, we just closed 224 units in Texas with a past student last month.

A lot of lenders used to apply 35% for expenses, but in the last several years, the numbers for supplies, labor, utilities, taxes, etc… have increased significantly.Also take into account the age, occupancy and how has the property been maintained, this will affect the expenses too

One has no minimum loan amount, another has $50k minimum, and the last has $75k minimum.

Republicans blocked it passing last year so they didn’t give democrats a win before the election.

Lastly, what’s been the biggest surprise about being a landlord so far?

I would suggest starting with what types of investments you would like to get into and goals.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

There are/were developments going on last I was out there but not enough for me to want to pursue it at this time.

We are Canadian from Ontario and  have been investing in the US for the last 7 years.

I believe it is completely reasonable to have a clause in your lease that places a cap on utilities with any overage (proven by a bill) being the responsibility of the resident.Our clause states that any electrical bill (we don't have gas, and water has never been a problem) that is over double the same month's bill from last year will have the overage assigned as a fee.It is important to keep your bookkeeping straight if you do assess a fee.