Actually, investing out of state I would be more comfortable with Cleveland as it is only a 7 hour drive in case I need to come over for a visit.

I guess nothing formalized, I've been reading books, watching webinars, and listening to podcasts. 

Anna,When repairs or improvements are made to rental property which is not actually rented or advertised for rent, the improvements are capitalized over the appropriate life of the assets.  

I guess no one really knows, but if the numbers add up either way it works.

Hi Tyler,Actually you can find almost anything you need right here in bigger pockets.

Like Greg said, you need to provide some actual numbers to get an informed opinion.

Hi Sam,I'm in the same boat as you....that is, learning, reading, listening all that I can (for free, which is cool), but still haven't made my first purchase other than the house I currently own and live in (i.e. not an actual investment property).I live in Jacksonville and have been scouring the market this summer, drove by some properties today in fact (they weren't what I was looking for, though).I'll say that it's drying up a bit, but I don't mean to dissuade you at all, in fact I think there are still tons of great deals out there (here), but the time is now.

I tried to include all the pertinent information below:Rental Income: $13,200Rent: Currently has a tenant on one side at $550 per month without a lease – I’ve made it a condition of the sale that the tenant has either signed a new lease with my property management company or delivers that side vacant; other side is not rented out due to required rent ready repairs; rental comps in the area show between $550-600 (I’m being conservative and assuming $550).Expenses:Vacancy: 10% ($1,320)Property Management: 10% of gross rents ($1,188)Property Taxes: $2,065 ($905 for City of Memphis, $1,160 for Shelby County)Property Insurance: $450 per year Repairs and Maintenance Assumption: 2% of Property Value per year ($980 per year)Utilities: separately metered; all paid by tenant except for lawn mowing at $25 once a month for $300Advertising: 6% (roughly ½ of first month’s rent) $792 per yearDebt Service: Based on $49k purchase + repair price, 20% ($9.8k) down, 5% 30 year fixed is $2,525 per yearLocation:This is probably where most of my concern is coming from: Western edge of Hickory Hill, Memphis, 38115; major cross streets: just SW of Clarke Rd and Winchester RdAcquisition:Purchase Price: $42k, seller to pay closing costsRepairs: $7.5kTotal Acquisition Cost: $49.5kARV: Large range of comps in the area, best guess is $60kFinancial Metrics:Net Operating Income: $6,105Cap Rate: 12.33%Cash Flow: $3,580 per year, $298.33 per month, $149.17 per unit per monthCash-on-Cash Return: 36.5%Do you think it's a good deal?

Assuming that's right, I would guess the listing price is more than you should pay for it.

I am guessing yes cause you want to use it occasionally, so much more energy spent in managing lots of turnover.Whats the insurance like?