I also know that I am in a tenant-friendly state and city, and even if I am in the right to charge them, I might still lose if they pursue it.

I’m losing my mind.

u will lose time  your inspection cost and other dollars just to save 6k which wont mean anything over a 20 year hold right ?

I was losing hope in finding a property and I did not want to own a multi or single family due to the cost of maintaining.

I want to hold it as a full rental after those two years and then get another property, starting the process over again.So my main question is how do I search and find a good investment property, what numbers to crunch and look at, which will then tell me whether this property will be a good investment in the long run or whether I will end up earning very little or losing money when I turn it into a full rental?

With 5+ units, while they of course review your personal ability, they put more emphasis on the cash flow of the property itself and how its ability to perform is of high importance to them.Always keep in mind the following: 1) market cycle; 2) debt; 3) exit strategy (h/t Bill Ham).As you’re already seeing with deal flow, we’re towards the top of the market cycle with valuation.

When people lose confidence in the economy or loose their jobs, it has an immediate effect on home sales.

In a year I have tried different things, but mostly losing money.

Note, even if insurance pays for all the damage your property suffers, you still lose.

I feel like I have two options here:Rent the property:Downside: Significant capital tied into a deal that loses about -$200/month in negative cash flow.