@Pundari Pothini, I know that you said passive opportunities do not suit your style (I'm assuming you mean syndications), but have you explored the option of joining a syndicator with a more active role?

When we originally purchased the property it is was not in the best of shape, but we cleaned house and we are actively renovating and beautifying the property.3.

@Jessica Wood you can always ask the city to shut off the water at the street.

And, some areas of Pflugerville have a lot of competition, so make sure you compare your asking rent price to similar homes that have already rented...not only to homes that are actively competing with yours. 

I noticed a house (right across the street from me) is no longer occupied (rented) and it is not being cared for (tall grass).

The drawings shall include a schematic site plan showing property lines, building footprint, encroachments in the right of way, and utility lines in the street as per City provided maps.

Just got voted one of the best main streets in America.

Here is a link. http://agents.royallepage.ca/debralynncurrier/listings/listings/on/belleville/90-gordon-street?

i'm looking for the forum's advice on the most efficient/effective way of weeding out properties. i'll be living in the property for at least a year. while i live there, i'll be living in it (so property can't be a complete rehab), fixing or improving the property, and then either flipping or renting out the property. i've looked at about 18 properties the past 3 weekends (i just started 3 weeks ago). the 18 properties were chosen based on 2 broad criteria: 1) based on pictures, description, and google street view, choose properties close to the metra (in illinois), in a location with a great high school (>=8 score), and in nice(r) neighborhood.2) look at zillow for an idea on property values in the neighborhood so that i'm not buying one of the most expensive houses in the neighborhood. if i feel the house i'm looking at is somewhat undervalued because it needs work and there's some room for me to flip, then house passes.this criteria has helped me weed out 100's of properties, but takes me a bit of time.i'm curious, is this a good start or are there other ways that the full time/professional investors use?

You can always open from either side with a key and the thumb latch or you and the tenant can open the door by both activating the thumb latches simultaneously.