To all aspiring house-hackers, a word of warning from an agent & house-hacker/investor:  be sure to reserve more than you think you'll need for rehab costs and unforeseen cap ex. 

Ex parte Szczygiel, Sup., 51 N.Y.S.2d 699, 702 (Sup Ct 1944).”

About 18 years ago I was managing my ex-wife's two-flat after our divorce.  

While times are good, make the major cap ex improvements, figure out ways to lower expenses and increase revenue. 

I am looking to build long-term wealth through real estate.I CURRENTLY need help/advice on:-Raising capital for deals -Learning the art of acquiring properties with OPM-An efficient way to find great deals-Looking for potential investors with the funds to partner up for future deals (Ex.

My ex-protégé purchased a detached duplex that had a 3/2, 2/1 and 3 single car garages for $427K fairly recently. 

In fact with my rentals when I look at a property I build the "cost" of dollar cost averaging right into my property analysis as if it were cap ex, repairs, or vacancy expense.

These expenses do not include vacancy, cap ex, property management, maintenance/repairs, or utilities.

I've had to keep a deposit twice, once because they skipped out on rent and moved out middle of the night and the other was because the angry Ex-BF bashed in the door lol the repair wasn't even $300 but she felt so bad she told me to keep the deposit as she left.  

I don't know about your guys' experience, but agents have not been all that helpful when I've offered them 60% of their asking price so I can still budget 17.5% for vacancy/repairs/cap ex.