My understanding with this is they are generally responsible for rent collection, tenant management, repairs & maintenance (small landscaping, supervision of subcontractors - which I approve and the bill is then send to me), maintaining records and such.Being my first month with my first property I was a bit surprised to see the 8% fee in addition to-Meet electrician for repairs and updates to fire alarm. 1.5 hours- $50Trip and installation charge for unit 1 window (without cost of materials)- $35Repair broken handrails (without cost of materials)- $30Cut and trim, clean loose debris- $35Unit 4 late rent collection (time contacting, travel to meet)- $25This adds $175 to the 8% ... my question is- what then is the 8% for?

FHA would be optimal, however I don’t know that I would be living in the unit (ie. duplex).

In addition, new homes are energy efficient and cost less to maintain, etc. , meaning more money in the owners pockets. 

Anyone have any good ideas on how to handle this while still maintaining curb appeal?  

In your climate you could probably make due with a less expensive unit and still maintain a similar HSPF.

Many of them have swimming pools but have been poorly maintained and don't seem to be utilized.

The cheapest financing and easiest terms are still available for owner-occupants and you'll get some real-world experience in how property is purchased and maintained.

Your thoughts keep my optimism in check.

He responded by asking how she was doing in school.Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew.

Issues related to longevity haven't yet occurred and issues related to poor construction are already very obviousSo, 20 years or so is my optimal age for rehab projects...