A few other thoughts, if you want to get down to the nitty gritty about the bottom line, though some of these stats are relevant whether you sell or keep the prop: -expected appreciation over life of investment -equity bought through mortgage payments -benefit of the interest home mortgage interest deduction in terms of saved (or shielded) current annual income -a 10% misc operating expenses bill tacked on -a 4%-12% vacancy rate average depending on local norms -25% recapture of depreciation -cost of improvements that will likely become necessary if you keep the house for 10 years+ like new roof, new water heater, new carpet/floors, etc...minus the depreciation you can claim for each over time -whether you've held the property for at least a year, which will impact the classification of short-term cap gains taxed at personal income rate, or long-term cap gains currently taxed at 15%.

Edge,In my areas rates range typically from 6-12%, with vacation and short term rentals (<6 months) around 20-25%.

My first guess was that it was someone drowning in water while attempting to clutch at a straw or rope.

Though I find this last category the most helpful, the reports I've found ranged from $7-$25+ each depending on the company, whether you buy in bulk, etc.

If i don't show them the place, they will not close.They never extended the contract after it expired unless my agent forged my signature....Personally, i hope they do back out.Does their threat hold any water????

The problems that I dealt with during my first year as a landlord:Water pipe burst / total rehab of 1 unitPay-as-you-go general contractor that didn't finish the work on the unitMold / complaint filed with Health DepartmentCrack in foundation that let water come into 1 unit every time it rainedGot locked in to a below-market-rent section 8 rentalMarketing for vacant unitsTenant disputesSection 8 dispute (although in this case it earned me $1900 :mrgreen: )Fortunately I haven't had to deal with evictions yet, but I know they'll come in due time.

Also, it has only one furnace and hot water tank.

You might want to look into forclosures where the taxing authority or lien holders are seeking remedies from the XYZ or the heirs of XYZ.Personally, when I first went into the business I needed money yesterday and couldn't fray the cost of long range experimentation.

I'm not sure of your long range plans but, I still recommend two things. 1.

I'm talking HUD, VA, brank owned properties in the $75-125k range.