Just rented May of this year (bought last August 2014, rehab took a while - tenants moved in May 2015)Principal balance of $59k - interest rate 5.5% 30 yr am w Balloon payment 2018Projected 12 mo financials$17940       Gross Rental income (12774)      Projected expense - 5% vac, 5% cap ex, mgmt fee, taxes, ins, P&I pmt & lawn care__________________________ $5166         yearly cash flowProjected cash flow after Refi$3666   (figured borrowing $100k @ 4.5% 30 yr am which I can lock)Thoughts for this place are to cash out refi @ 100k - buy out one partner - taking us down to 2, I'd take $10k cash back myself to replenish my duplex account, I earn a $90/mo mgmt fee -- wouldnt change the cash flow much. --- -----------------------My current residenceRough value $130k, --  after moves have been completed above - it would have projected financials below$15000         Gross Rental income (figured $1250/mo - however $1400+ I think is realistic) (13132)        Projected expenses - P&I pmts of $100k am @ 30 yrs @ 5.75% (shooting high)                     5% vacancy, 5% cap ex, lawn care, insurance, mgmt fee, taxes--------------------------------------------------------------$1868          yearly cash flow - should be worst caseAfter all of this I should be left with $80-100k in cash to purchase rehabs or further buy/n holds

You would earn more on your cash than in a checking account for very little time/effort.

So, if you're doing the painting yourself to avoid hiring a $15/hour painter, you're essentially earning $15/hour for the time you're doing the painting yourself.Did you get into flipping houses to earn $15/hour? 

If you want higher yield, you'd have to take higher risk and earn that yield. 

Hey, everybody...I sort of tripped into the world of virtual real estate investment, and my imagination has been sparked like no other pursuit I've ever engaged in, and my thirst to make a great living in this giganti...

I am sure there are benefits to ‘boutique’ providers and other models as well, and I would be open to hearing about them, but I believe I may feel more secure/confident with companies that were most likely to stick around and strive to continuously earn my business with quality rehabs and PM.

spend the less than 1k it cost and get a RE license then try to get on with a brokerage that will allow you to work on as  a team member.. earn as you learn. keep your day job.do not spend any money on any paid for training at this point you can't afford it and your not going to make any deals with no money no skills etc.save your money

You are bringing the buyer (yourself) and will earn a commission for bringing the buyer.

Are the quantity and quality (earning power) of jobs increasing or decreasing?

Obviously, the tax benefit will help, so as a buy and hold investor what amount of taxes are people seeing compared to their gross earnings?