This is one of the many reasons why I love real estate—we're making a difference.

Reason is the lower loan amounts violate the "hard costs rule" which just means the banks/lenders cannot make its normal margins.

But if I include equity gain that bumps up to around 16% on both(have not deducted for vacancy/repairs).

They do this in hopes that you just give up. 

I didn't get a lot of water and it was all manageable by the tenants, but given this happened I want to try to understand the reason and where to look (e.g., do I need to install a new/ better sump pump). 

He gets terms for his build portion and you have to put up actual funds.

I have been in the lending space for a handful of years now and recently had the opportunity to open up my new branch in the great community of Fargo. 

Placed $300K in two financial accounts, so far, it went up $80K.

I'd also recommend looking up a local Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) as they'll have local investors that you can bounce ideas off with.

The tenants looked hard for 4 months and could not find any property with lower rent and ended up sign the renewal, and subsequent renewals with annual rent increases for 3 more years.