We're keeping LTV low, taking more term on our debt than we anticipate needing, and have a plan that focuses on bringing the old leases more in line with the current average rates.We also run Downside scenarios to see what the numbers look like if we're wrong about room to increase or (worse) the market changes and results in vacancy going up and rates going down.Those are not pretty of course, but a large part of winning is being able to stay in the game.

We pay 1400 in mortgage and rent it out for 1700 (which is VERY low for the area and we will be charging $1900-2100 next year, we were just in a rush to rent this time around).This year we bought the house we live in and owe 250k and it's worth about 296,000.I am 30 years old, and a stay at home mom.

At the beginning of my career, I wasn't knowledgeable enough, experienced enough or connected enough to invest other people's money with a level of risk that I would have been comfortable with.That's just me personally, btw. 

But, that's before taxes.What rental property does is generate long term wealth by accumulating assets and having someone pay for those through rental income.If you want to own enough property to quit your day job, you'll have to figure out what you feel is comfortable enough to live on and then figure out how many units you wish to own.If you really want to build a real estate empire, you would have to buy a lot of residential units or large commercial property and run it like a business.

As mentioned in another post, our goal is to go from 8 to 20 properties this year. (20 by 20) it’s super aggressive and maybe far reaching, but we want to push as far forward as we can, and in my mind if you don’t push yourself outside your comfort zone you won’t reach your potential.But to answer your question, to get past the finance road block, we are continuing to educate ourselves and continuing to network until we find the right partners.

If you let him stay you really do need a rental agreement, so that if you have to evict him you have the agreement. 

Listings are staying on the market longer than they used to.

One possible pro for the office building is that businesses may stay longer than residents.

I would advise you to stay out of your parents financial life.You should also be moving out of your parents home then if they choose they can rent out your space . 

Just trying to staying liquid for the upcoming clearance sale when the economy tanks.