I agree people need to push back.

The goal of the duplex is cash flow - at least $200 / mo (once we move out)The goal of the single-family is undetermined yet -Down the line, I'd also like to look at BRRR or other strategies where I'm doing some flips, but I don't want to get too ahead of myself just yet.I've been looking at various areas in and around Milwaukee and listening to a bunch of podcasts and webinars on how to analyze a deal and a market. 

If you also have a rental property where tenants are essentially paying down the mortgage, that can also help build equity and help you get ahead.

That’s what pushes your returns to 20 or 30% all while being taxed on 5% in your example. 

Some people push it down to one year, claiming two tax returns.

One can use the passive loss to push taxes into the future. 

Investing there requires tons of specialized knowledge and a certain demeanor to put up with the issues of Baltimore, and to be able to navigate and push through them.

Lesson is learned-do your refinancing further ahead of time because you never know when something crazy like this will happen.

Think ahead about all potential problems down the road and figure out how you will handle them if they happen.

Single-family rent prices are increasing rapidly, as demand for single-family housing and inventory constraints forces some buyers to rent, increasing competition and pushing rents up across the nation.