Ideally, I'd like to invest in some lower maintenance projects, possibly with partners who are starting out and could use my expertise.Thanks for the great forum, I look forward to perusing it further.

Cash flow is definately the way to gothese days and repairs/maintenance would cut into that.

Site located right across the street from tourist train depot depositing upward of 50,000 visitors per year.Buidling renovated with new systems about 10 years ago - pretty good condition, etc. 100% leased presentlyRents (6 tenants) - $42840 ann.Expenses - Management - $3500Taxes - $2000Water - $720Insurance - $3500Vacancy $3500 (+/-)Repairs $2500 (tenants responsible for interior maintenance - LL is only shell of building and HVAC systems)No common area utilities - all seperate meteredNOI - $27120 (8.34 CAP) - with zero down.Although it shouldnt matter in the deal eval., seller has agreed to finance $100 K (on a second to close after I do the first mortgage) at 0% interest for 5 years (principal pmts.

All the actual cash-out-the-door type expenses like interest, insurance, property taxes, maintenance, paint and carpet affect both taxable income and cash flow.

I factor all of the maintenance, vacancy, taxes, operating budget, etc.

And how many of you do 100% of the maintenance yourselves?

maybe they made a mistake or something...the condition here in the Philippines is changing annually...few years ago, christmas was cold, recently, it was like summer time...

All I knew about this family was 2nd-hand information: from the owner and from 2 different maintenance people who have been involved in the past.I gave the owner tips of what to do and agreed to accompany him as a photo taker.

These responses are great, here's mine...You know you're a real estate investor when....the maintenance guy asks if you live in your car. you know every single aisle of Home Depot. you spend more time in your car more than any other place.

(100,000 a year, over 55K for MC, 30 K for landscape, lawyer retainer/bills, repair and maintenance, and reserves to repair and replace common elements.Okay, off the soapbox.