Go Google the average current age of electricians, plumbers, etc.

You can get away with using 5% for Class A tenants, but we use 10% for Class B and lower. 3) Tenant Payment Performance: you didn't mention this, but it is important!

for got to mention you can always go to your local state "secretary of state" website and search registered company details by registered agent( eg: Anderson Registered Agents), many states gives access to "articles of organization"  to get few examples :-)https://esos.nv.gov/EntitySear...https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/search Originally posted by @Tim Silvers:Originally posted by @Sam P.

You didn't mention having other money available.

I have given this renter Dave Ramsey's book The Total Money Make-over but I doubt they have read it because they have never mentioned it. 

As i mentioned in my introductory post, I am really looking to using next year to jumpstart my portfolio.

Rates are not going down and something like that we would not do, we would go 24 months max and would be 12%+. so 10% is good YUP that is a smokin deal for private money for 5 years.. now the OP does not mention points if any..

My contractor mentioned he might've left them since he felt bad about up and leaving the job. 

Like others have mentioned, there’s appreciation, depreciation, leverage, and tax benefits that produce a compelling risk adjusted return. 

Hi Jeff, as everyone has mentioned, I would suggest house-hacking a 2-4 unit if you have the means.