While serving I purchased 1 long-distance rental duplex in Huntsville, AL and I spend all my downtime learning.

Thought I would share my brief, hopefully insightful, dive into real estate and/or financial markets.Today we’re keepin’ it short, but not light, it being the holidays and all, and let’s be honest, you are going to have some down time for contemplation.

Most investors I know are still looking for 15% of value in gross rents for completely turnkey ($400k investment, $60k annual gross rents), 20% of value in gross rents for properties that require minor improvements and furnishings ($400k investment, $80k annual gross rents), and 25-35%+ for properties that needs lots of work/rehab/downtime while renovating and furnishing.

Payment is about $10,400insurance, property tax, management comes to about $700/month for each.Tenants pay all utils.So that's $17,400 in costs so about $3,600 left a month.I looked at the owners financials and there were zero empty in the last two years (beyond someone moving out, and someone else moving in with a few weeks downtime). 

A number of users have notified us about repeated downtime (and I've noticed some myself).  

Likewise, I try to queue up work for them in down times (off season).

Also, you have less wiggle room and protection during vacancies and down times.

Brought along a hose and some soap and washed my truck during the "down" times between showing the place to make the time go by.Gail

Hey guys I haven't posted anything in a while, took some downtime during the holidays.

I'll just say that while I am working somewhat insane(ish) hours, I actually scroll through BP on my downtime.