I have spent the last few years reading many books on real estate, taking real estate courses, researching, saving as much as I could, investing (to increase my purchase power) and finally feel I can begin my real estate journey this year. 

Materials have increased more than 20% in the last 5-8 years.

Keep in mind that they can increase that period if they get complains from the community, so make sure you're in good relationship with your neighbors.

I was chatting with some of my lending buddies at big banks and they are all backing away from the CRE space including office because operating costs are increasing more quickly than rents.

With a few tweaks to the management structure, and with new leadership, I figure we can greatly increase the revenue.

Hi Ethan, I would not entertain the idea of getting more money from this tenant in order to potentially increase your cash flow. 

Washer/dryers are often abused, so there's the initial cost of purchase and the risk of increased repairs.

As rental rates increase, cash flow becomes strongly positive.  

If your property's value has increased since you bought it... given the market trends in Albany, that's quite possible... you could tap into that equity sooner than you might think.

Canton is not quite as bad, although they have increased annual fees and initial inspection requirements in the past few years that Akron never put in place.