One month later, the job is still not finished and his guys steal $1,000 worth of my tools.

But the pluses are the monthly fee essentially replaces your capex....you will have to replace your HVAC at.some point.

That's a very brief overview of a much larger topic.The point about strategies is this:Perhaps you've heard it said that when the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like nail.

In an owner occupied situation, they can always pay more than you as they are less worried about the profit/ROI but rather getting a great place in a great location with a rental unit that essentially pays off their entire mortgage. 

Yes keeping your units clean and updated( particularly kitchens and baths) will help you collect the higher side of your market rates...but realistically these updates should be ongoing and not a prime rent increasing tool.

But if I can start acquiring properties with surety bonds, may be a good tool and strategy..

I'm always happy to help point you in the right direction for resources or tools on BiggerPockets that can help you with your REI goals!

You are risking $117k + the rehab and he is essentially risking nothing. 

On a price per Sq Ft basis these homes will "appear" expensive as they are certain costs that all homes pay, IE impact fees, ETC ETCI think this product (if marketed right) would benefit the lower end of the blue collar retiree spectrum, as they are essentially the size of a smaller mobile home.I also think millennials would love this product.

I looking forward to helping youth while using real estate as a tool as well.