I just don't want to make the decision to invest and immediately regret it if we have to move next year.

Unless you plan to pay cash for your properties, get pre-qualified for an investor loan, so you will know how much credit you will have access to.The end goal - This is usually something like $10,000/Mo. income, in present value dollars.Time frame - The shorter your time frame to reach your goal, the more initial capital and credit you will need.If you decide buying an investment property is the right option, the most important decision is the location.

Location is the most important investment decision you will make, not the property.

I’m not in any hurry to pay down my mortgages, and that’s a personal decision, as I like my tenants pay my debt off.

For example, more LLCs are formed in Delaware than any other state, and for good reason: business friendly, does not tax out of state income, low filing fees and separate court called Chancery Court.Take some time to research the costs/benefits of different states and make the best decision that works best for you.

Saying appreciation is useless is like saying buying Amazon 10 years ago was a bad decision.

My now-brokerage (Jones Chance & Co. in Ypsilanti, MI) specializes in helping people make wise investment decisions.

Most of these policies do NOT cover tenant damages though.3) Lawn: For single-family, your lease should require tenant to handle and be very specific about expectations and who will pay any tickets.4) Cashflow: This is a personal decision and also depends on what your plans are about acquiring more rentals.

You make your money back the second you make a decision even if the lesson is knowing what you DON’T want to do.

So the bottom line is when people have shown they make bad decisions, the government needs to step in and make their decisions for them.As far as the other red tape associated with Section 8, that is to protect tenants and tax payer money from dishonest landlords.