Originally posted by Josh C.

The first year was a little rocky b/c we didn't find all of the maintenance items that it needed when we bought it but it has settled down nicely and stays rented, to good people who take care of the home.  

If it's a cash buyer it doesn't matter but you would sell it for less because the items aren't completed.So spending a couple of hundred dollars will help you sell your investment to a larger pool of buyers.Maybe adding A/C or redoing the the kitchen and bathroom might cost you 5 -15K but if you can sell the house for 30-45k more after repairs it's a great investment. 

A/B/C/D area?

Jay C.

Price: $150,000 (planning on 20% down) Rent: $3,100/month (4 units at 550/month and 2 garage units at 475/month)Utilities 1,450/month (Owner pays utilities, electricity, water, gas, for 2012 came out to $17,000)Mortgage: 750/monthTaxes/Insurance: 450/month (based on zillow)Cash Flow: 450/month (please let me know if I'm missing some basic expenses)Building has window A/C units.

Building is in a C area.

@Cal C. - I am another Amazon addict.

I would like to add an in-unit washer/dryer and central A/C (I'm not sure how much it would cost for both of these + installation and did not factor this into the calculations).In addition it would be ideal to have seller financing because I could not make a 20% downpayment, I would save on closing costs, and perhaps it would make acquiring my next property easier because it wouldn't show up on my credit report?

I have no reservations about B or C neighborhoods, but want to completely avoid areas with higher violent crime.