I just got bit in the rear b/c Albany reassessed my property for what I paid for it (duh), which effectively doubled my property tax liability.I'm owner occupied, and with my first purchase I was primarily concerned with simply making sure the income covered operating expenses, and not terribly concerned w/ driving profit, but I was relying on the ~$200/mo I was making above cost to help subsidize fixing up the building, and now I'm about $50 south of the property costs.Paying $50 a month to live in my 4-unit isn't bad, but if this was a classic investment property, I'd be pretty ripped :)

My question is: "am I being ripped off if I accept to give 4% to an agent who is willing to help me through the buying process?" 

Other than that I feel its a rip off and I dont want to be the one accused of taking advantage of people.If the Lease Purchase still violates Dodd Frank what are other ways I can do this, be compliant and a fair win win for all.

It can be hard to foresee what repairs will be needed, but landlords should consider expenses like carpet cleaning, paint, electrical, plumbing and any other fixes that keep a property habitable for renters.

Probably needs to be ripped down to the studs.

I just don't see a few hundred dollars as exciting, especially if you're putting up big $$ for a new construction.. think about it, if it's just a washer or dryer that need to be fixed, or new coat of paint, make sure to look at houses from a renters standard--not your own.  

I'm debating painting cabinets of a small home (800 sq ft $60K ARV) to add some character and differentiation.

The laundry room is painted an apricot color, because the name of the complex is Apricot Court. :-) Comfortable and clean.

change to sheet rock or paint paneling?

Are you buying full rehabs or paint and carpet kind of flips?