I totally refurbished my duplex in El Paso with the help of my dad and really had fun doing it.

Was totally unprepared.

For the past 40 years, we've averaged between 3-5% appreciation per year.Here are some numbers:Sales Jan 2006 – July 2006Houses Under Contract 10042Houses Sold & Closed 8811Average Selling Price $172,273Median Sales Price $138,500Sales Jan 2007 – July 2007Houses Under Contract 10213Houses Sold & Closed 8998Average Selling Price $173,845Median Sales Price $139,900% Change from 2006 to 2007Houses Under Contract 1.7% IncreaseHouses Sold & Closed 2.1% IncreaseAverage Selling Price 1.0% IncreaseMedian Sales Price 1.0% IncreaseWhile it doesn't represent a complete picture of the market, it at least shows some indication of strengthening.The number of total properties on the market is still relatively heavy compared to several years ago - but at least the rate that they are coming off the market is starting to increase.Generally speaking, partially due to the media frenzy about the "disastrous real estate market" - its still a good time to buy investment properties, or move up from your existing home.Its generally not a good time for a lateral move, or downsizing.

Maybe appreciation will happen and you build the total value of the portfolio.

Our 1st mortgage is for $128,000 and our 2nd mortgage is for $20,000 for a total of $148,000.

Even IF they were a low rent tenant, and their belongings total $200, if someone makes a claim against you, it is up to you to provide the proof there was no bags of gold.As to the cleanup of bodily fluids, yes, there are specific measures you must take.

If you rent out a vacation property for at least 15 days in a given year and your personal usage is limited to 14 days or 10 percent of the time it is rented (whichever is greater), then the property is considered rental property so you receive the following benefits:- All business expenses (including mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, advertising, and maintenance) can be deducted against rental income received on the property - If the total expenses are less than the gross rental income, the resulting profit is taxable income - If the total expenses exceed gross rental income, the resulting loss can be used to offset income from other investments From a fractional perspective, how many days it is available for rental obviously depends on the number of fractions that have been allocated.

I totally aggree about finding books.

Not sure I totally agree with ScottFicek's analogy about hillbillies, as I'm from the South and hillbillies/rednecks can be found 25 miles outside of any major city in the U.S, but I do understand and agree with his logic.......the term "slumlord" should definitely be attributed to the person's lack of care about the tenants & property and not the low income housing they are investing in.

Now you have a total of2 open savings account, 1 credit card reporting as unsecured, and 3 CDsLegally and Technically, I cant quote how many points this will give you, but those people that I have that have tried this method gain a minimum of 100 points in 90 days on the scores, that's if your paying all of your other bills on time and nothing else negative pops up.