Vacancy can be 0-25% depending on turn over and what month they move out.Maintenance depends a bit on age of home but I would use about 0.1% to 0.2% per monthCap Ex depends on traditional (.5% a month) or private money (1%)Sales Expenses:  6-8% for closing and realtor plus about 2-4% for holding costs

I know this question has been asked before, but I'm hoping to get specifics on how I can compare numbers between 1.) purchasing a primary residence VS 2.) saving for my next buy & hold investment.Background:  I live near the beach in Los Angeles.

In Baltimore, Md, and interested in buy and hold on rentals in the next few years, and interested in subject to property acquisitions.

Do not be too greedy.Buy and Hold is a good place to be.  

Is it time to "cash out" while the market is hot, or continue to hold these for cashflow? 

Chicago and cook county is a cesspool of corruption and incompetence that will leave all of its citizens holding the bailout bag.

Eventually go for buy and hold..learnt bout this group from one of the members here.

Now I'm ready to do it again and venture in to buy and holds for cash flow.  

My goals in REI are to acquire Buy & Hold properties as well as do some Flip and Fix.  

They want a chunk of cash to buy a beach house or something but they also like to hold a smallish note for extra income.