Definitely be specific when speaking with your contractors.One thing I remember reading in the past is go down and hang out at home depot @ 6:30-7am and take note of all the contractors (written on their vehicles), I did this like a week ago and in the 30 second walk to the door from my car, I took note of eight different companies!

Every time I see a local contractor vehicle (roofer, electrician, carpenter, etc.)

My wife warmed up to REI after I broke down the 4 ways you can make money (cashflow, appreciation, tax, and loan pay down) vs other investment vehicles (e.g. stocks where you may only get appreciation and minimal dividends).

FHA will not insure a mortgage if it is determined that the transaction was designed to use FHA mortgage insurance as a vehicle for obtaining investment properties, even if the property to be insured will be the only one owned using FHA mortgage insurance."

-Condenser fan motor is gone, $150 I can replace myself BUT I'm also low on freon, estimate about 4 pounds of R22.

@AJ Singh Househacking is a great vehicle to become financially free.

@Matt Ellis  as your aware its just a cash flow game... as there is no real value in those assets other than a vehicle to create cash flow.. age does not matter for resale.. it really boils down to how much you have to put into them while you own them and how many bad tenant you have over time.new buyer 10 years from now is just going to back into a sale price based on the 2% rule or whatever metric.. especially if its a local investor who understands the challenges in that asset class...

Fantastic vehicles for holding numerous rental properties.

I plan to be working at investing full time.So here is what I am working with:$350,000 in cashLiving expenses saved for 12-18 months (after starting businesses in the past I know the importance of this buffer) Plus I have another stream of income that covers my expenses as extra back up.Moving in March of 2016Will have my Real Estate License in Idaho by thenZero debt and two payed off vehicles (work truck and car)Single 31 year old male with no dependentsWith my rehabbing experience I feel I can take on the majority of projects, and plan to start building my crew right away in Boise.  

Investor's who had success with condo's are often at a very low price points, say below 50k or below 30k.From a strictly financial point of view you are probably better off to sell it and invest the money in a better vehicle.