I am thinkin about asking her to reduce the price from $395,000.

You may attract fraternity or sorority members, which would be great for reducing vacancy but potentially terrible for the condition of your investment.I don't know your market, so maybe filling a 6 BR is relatively easy and straightforward.

I like your plan to move into a M/F property to reduce expenses.

@Tod Radford, yes I purchased an individual MSA for the reduced amount of $150 which provides quarterly updates on my local market.

Many private lenders will reduce the origination fee and the APR on your 2nd or 3rd deal with them.

Even though they appear before Congress, nothing is done.There are numerous methods you can use to reduce your risks.

My reasoning is based on the fact that if wait for the roof to begin leaking, you a) have more damage to repair, b) chances are the roofers will be busy at that time and may charge more c) you can be more flexible with the roofing contractor now which may help reduce the cost and d) you can evaluate and get bids from multiple roofers thus maybe choosing a better roofer.

With your reduced mortgage cost start saving at least half of the saved amount.

I bought a condo back in May 2006 for $149k, rehab costs are approximately $25k, sales price $230k, RE Agent's commission 4.5%.My question comes as to what I can deduct to reduce my capital gains tax exposure.

So it is a busy season... contractors often don't return calls. you book appointments with them  and they never show up , or show up gives a bid and then say they actually  booked...I have two properties in Kansas City right now that needs exterior and interior paint job.its about 4000-4500 budget for eachI purchase all paintfinally two  contractors bid and ready to do it but  insist on getting 1000 to 2000 upfront  for each property before they start .I am not too excited paying someone I dont know those amounts.can any of you who are experience in rehabs have a creative solution not to losethose contractors but reduce the risk?