I haven't been expanding my business with LMHA since the end of 2016 per my posts above so I don't know exactly what changed, but I expect the outsourcing of inspections to private industry + some executive level leadership + replacement of staff with new faces excited to serve the needs of HUD/Landlords/Those In Need has resulted in an agency I will develop more business with.The HCVP will always be a double edged sword for landlords (See Section 8 Bible discussion) but for now I have discovered it is finally worth the effort to participate in the program.I specialize in Toledo's transition neighborhoods, discounted houses on the edge of nicer areas but also on the edge of trash...the Section 8 program allows me to get long-term tenants who are a good business model provided they are consistently managed and visited/inspected for additional "visitors" (relatives and random dogs/cats) and damage/housekeeping which can destroy a home if left unchecked.You need to know the rules, repair and renovate for long-term durability, prepare for inspections thoroughly and keep a team of contractors who will hold those standards...after 8 years we have been through a hundred inspections.

As long as there are no outstanding repairs, I don't see anything wrong with paying off that loan faster. 

Part of that you can justify because of the necessary repairs, but overall higher price points appreciate differently.The median home price has basically doubled in Milwaukee from about 160k to 320k in the last 10 years.

At a bare bones minimum, the letter confirms the start/end dates of the lease, monthly rent, paid-through date, absence of any prepaid rent other than the current month, and security deposit amount.Better, it will include statements there are no unresolved claims or disputes or repair issues with the current landlord, and no verbal or written side agreements.Better yet, it will include a copy of the tenant's lease, and a confirmation the lease is a true and correct copy with no amendments.

Mark, we have some units that have hardwoods that we're repairing/restoring.

@Heidi FahringerReal Estate Expertise - Are they familiar with real estate-specific tax strategies, such as depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and write-offs for repairs, property management, etc.?

hire people to do the repairs-the owners pay for it whether you do it or you hire someone to do it. 

If you are looking at properties in need of renovation, they want you to know your costs up front and many will be as-is purchases with the expectation that you aren't requesting repairs and your costs are confirmed.Depending on your state, but likely in all states, you have an inspection contingency in the contract, but what you will learn is that you will be competing against seasoned investors and contractors who know their numbers and houses so make better as-is offers.

You need a report done so you can request repairs or credits and a handyman isn't doing that and the seller wouldn't validate it.

The best opportunities to get seller financing is those properties that require repairs and traditional financing may not be an option.