The $2,500 was for the appraisal you know if this was five years ago I would question that rate but appraisals just like many sub contractors have dramatically raised their rates.. but I would want to know that the lender is capable of funding..

I too would be interested in knowing which bank you use as well as what you presented to the appraiser to change the value so dramatically.

Monthly rentals have worked well for us to boost cashflow. 

(Make sure you run a criminal background on the handyman) This will obviously all boost cash flow, significantly.

This has helped boost cap rates closer to 10 as rents have followed the appreciated property purchase prices.Feel free to contact me to discuss things like what you are targeting, add value vs turn key, mgmt companies, different areas, etc.take care!

Many agents will preach buying properties that come with existing furniture, or other ways of minimizing "costs" unrelated to the property down payment itself ... while this may boost the agent's commissions/ allow you to buy a higher priced property, in many cases this advice is wildly misguided.Instead, the right way to think about the real estate purchase is that it is the foundation upon which you get to make even higher ROI investments into the hospitality business inside ... it's just the starting point.You wouldn't start a restaurant and seek to maximize the amount you spend on rent, skimping on decor and ingredient quality.

My city Bismarck, ND was a small city 5 years ago when I moved, but now it has grown dramatically (or so I think).

Glad to have you active on the site and on the forums.What would really help you boost engagement and connect you with the right folks is if you let us know a bit more about what you're looking to accomplish.What kind of team are you looking to build?

I see having a license as leverage, as I'll often forego my buy side commission and let the seller keep that, to help boost their net proceeds and strengthen my offer in a competetive bidding situation. 

The reason is that the demographics change dramatically.