My wife and I got into real estate for investment and tax purposes. 

I also am currently using Stessa for my property management but will probably convert to Buildium after I acquire another deal in the next few weeks.

The first year may suck but you will realize after sometime the work you put today will impact tomorrow.

I've begun keeping receipts on upgrades, fees, etc... to be prepared for tax time. 

I moved here from Florida after seeing the projected growth.

You don't need to, especially on deals that just make sense, but it's a good inclusion if you already have your underwriting model in Excel or gSheets because you can use all those variables, once filled out, to auto-populate various Sensitivity/Stability Analysis charts.Here's what I have for Multifamily/Rentals (all auto-populated from the model):On Fix & Flips, I only include the ARV Stability/Sensitivity Chart (this is the entire model, stability analysis at the bottom):Since having these built out, it's something I mostly just glance at after underwriting to make sure everything looks good.

After a couple price drops it's sold for $135k.Trust the agent, they're the professional.

I like Champaign-Urbana a bit more, but the thoughts above still ring true (and property taxes are a real headwind to appreciation).

To much premium.Go to all of the taxing authorities within your deal range.  

You should have a strict policy in placeFor example:Within 3 days of booking they can cancel with full refundAnything after they can get half of their refund backOr they pay extra to get a free cancellation policy.