You can't scale those small businesses for owner operators either which Is why I like larger businesses and numbers.  

This is why unless you are an experienced landlord and used to dealing with this grade of property it can be a real steep learning curve for a newbie.

I find that when/if I use lowes or home depot "in stock" grade MDF cabinets, that when the tenant forgets to tell me there is a leak, the cabinets are basically ruined.

My thoughts are: two people to handle the day-to-day management of the propertiesa maintenance expert, who can perform most small-scale rehab tasks and property turns (painting, basic electric, carpet cleaning, etc.)a marketing individual whose job is to find new tenants and market the propertya tax person who handles annual taxes, budgeting, and CPA accounting.What does everyone think??

I've never met a property manager that knows how to say 'no' to business; they will take more business until severely under staffed and hire reluctantly and not scale properly. 

I have a line on a place that does commercial grade vinyl plank flooring, and I know an installer who has done good work for us before.

Over Calistoga Grade or through the hills from Hopland is a twisty turny stomach churning nightmare.  

Have always wanted to do something like this in FL, NYC or Vegas, however figured if I"m not onsite to take care of mgmt, unless I had some economies of scale working for me with a few in each area, probably would not make financial sense.

(You can also learn the painful lessons you must learn on a smaller scale before you start with bigger numbers.)Of course, that only works if you have the time, skill, and inclination, but it is the route I am taking.You might be surprised at the deals that are available on the low end right now.I am not opposed to debt used wisely and competently, but I support your idea to go without it.

Getting into the whole game of real estate. Right now, I have about 10 months before I come home from Iraq and I plan to start investing in Real Estate. Going to try and learn as much as possible in the next year.

Th...