BUT, if the extra lathe boards aren't removed, it would be a moot point... as any surface pressed up against that barrier layer, negates its effectiveness!

also, the bigger pockets calculator is saying I’m negative on the 50% rule.  

Just remember: most negative reviews are written by problematic tenants.

Long term appreciation is more important to me but I do not want a negative cash flow property.

We did it, and they reduced all the fines if not negated them.Just tell them you were unaware and explain the situation to them.This is a great reason why I recommend that owners keep city notifications coming to them directly.

I recently purchased a small seasonal rental in Lexington, Michigan (a beach town), and have been seeing alot of very good-looking deals in two-family homes near the Hospital and College campus in Port Huron: two-flats for under $70K, (average rents for 1/1 $550; for a 2/1 $650-750) low taxes, recent capital improvements,  BUT, I've also read alot of negative forums regarding crime, and the crime statistics for Port Huron are WAY higher (in certain parts of the City) than either the Michigan or the national average.Anybody have any insight into what's going on in Port Huron, Michigan?  

I just saw a statistic online (no clue how reliable) that said that my town has like 6500 home and like 4000 are rentals.

This is something the IRS believe is just a negative trend due to the housing mess we are all in.

I've been looking at several so far, but most of them have very negative reviews on one site or another, and the ones that have positive reviews its so hard to know whether to trust them....I've gotten burned by bad management before, so I'm really concerned now.I'm currently looking at:EIG33rdReal Property Management (RPM)REI Property ManagementUrban EnterprisesTrikin PropertiesThanks for any advice / experience,-Ken

The only negative is that it takes a few days for the rent to process.