@Arden Gist locally, there are some big players that are taking a wait and see approach to big projects but I'm not sure if it's really the election or the economy overall that has them sitting on their hands. 

This part is called "elective deferrals", can go pre-tax or post-tax into Roth account of your 401k.

I meant I send out $500 a week in direct mail, not a month.

The day I learned that not every landlord was meant to be my client was the day we were able to go from good to great.  

For us, that meant being in a safe neighborhood next to highly-rated schools.  

Do you get freaked out about what could happen if a tenant leaves, the market changes, Hillary is elected, or solar flares destroy the orbiting brain lasers?

While an LLC is a good way to lower liability, the best reason to consider an LLC is the ability to elect S-Corp taxation for it.  

Gentrifying neighborhoods like Petworth continued upward even during the housing collapse.To find a property with a basement unit you are probably looking at 600k plus in most areas.With a low down payment you are not likely to be cash flow positive on it when you turn it into a rental....but you need to realize a low down payment loan is not meant to be an investment, it's a means of getting owner occupants into properties.

Congratulations on diving in at such a young age, when its meant to be , its meant to be.

The hardwood floors need to refinished, base boards missing in some rooms, paint throughout but major systems (heat/air/pluming/elect.) all in working order.She has already talked to the bank about a short sale and they have sent her an application, but they did not discuss a number and there is obviously no guarantee that the bank will accept the offer.