That being said I do believe in diversification and want to start putting money into this type of investment with excess cash flow.  

Anything I make in excess of 4.2% adds value on top of what my cash value is earning.

I prefer to leverage up my properties and have more of them rather than tie up excessive cash in renovations. 

Creditors who reduce the interest rate on the obligations of a servicemember must forgive interest in excess of 6 percent.The reduced interest rate provision applies unless a court finds the ability of the servicemember to pay interest on the debt at a higher interest rate is not materially affected by his or her military service.

I think it would be a good idea to take advantage of the lower interest rates now, but I would also caution about taking on excessive debt right now.

So unless the house is excessively overpriced, most appraisals will come in right where they are expected to.

Ore money pulled into high risk and over inflated stock, bond and currency traded that are filled with excessive brokers fees and no real return that is controllable by an individual. 

My excess cash flow went toward paying off my student loans ($12k) and then toward some basic upgrades (paint, finishing the garage, etc.).

I recently had exterior and interior damage to my IL 3 unit condo property and personal unit within it resulting from a neighbors's clogged, flooded gutter and the excessive Chgo spring rains. 

Also do you use it during inspections or turnovers as a preventative maintenance item to remove excess buildup?