@Kiera Underwood -- this is fantastic!

12 month because it gives you some control over when vacancies happen (you can also do whatever month number will put you in a good position), for example if a unit goes vacant in winter it is harder to fill and may rent for less while the opposite is true in spring.

Builders Material Outlet has some fantastic buys but its hit or miss finding your sizes.  

There are a handful of commercial brokers in Denver who control most of the MF market and most of their deals are traded off market.

Capital controls imposed on Chinese citizens really began around 2016, which may explain why homes prices really started jumping up early 2017 as the controls became effective around June-July of 2017 so presumably many buyers were rushing into safe haven assets in anticipation of this happening.Long story short on China, many citizens have fears of policies over there and feel that a weakening Yuan over the next several years in addition to bank runs and an impending credit crisis (China has printed more money over last 2 years than ever in their history) will have heavy implications on their wealth and they wish to diversify and send as much money out as they can before things begin to get really messy.

@Brady BitterThe main thing i was debating with myself was whether or not i should treat single family portfolio  similar to a commercial or multi-family value add deals - the main difference is how its valued - on commercial/multifamily the value is a factor of its income, while single family is solely based on sold comps, therefore have less control over the value and are left to the market's valuation which tends to be more volatile comparing to rent rates.I think the IO route could be safe if you are Conservative with the LTV and have enough cushion to sustain any downturn that provide enough time to liquidate,

Hi Sally - Welcome.If you are considering investing in residential real estate in WA,  be aware that there are major changes coming in state law,  almost certainly including 'just cause' eviction rules (HB2453) this session,   and possibly also statewide rent control (HB2779) (less likely this session,  but IMO very likely in the medium/long term unfortunately)  that both if passed will substantially or even dramatically affect the level of risk, business model, and other aspects of owning and operating rental property.   

This account pays for all property related expenses - repairs, pest control, etc.  

Take control of the situation and avoid the lease signing without funds.

We had no control of that since we only owned for one week.