Current negotiation from LL Commercial lease Monthly Rent $6000 Security Deposit will be $7000 (based on last month rent of the lease term)Six Month Build Out Period - June 1 to Dec 31, 2024 Lease to start January 1, 2025. 5 year term During the build out period the tenant would pay $3000 per month rent (June 1 to December 31, 2024)The balance of $18,000 from the build out period would be paid back over 12 months at $1500 per month on a separate agreement.

@Andrew HeimannTo invest in Kansas City real estate, you need to be self-educated, have clearly defined goals, know how to relate, start from a small beginning point, seek advice from professionals, and carry out a thorough research.

I do need to cover the remaining $9,000 out of pocket (I am in a similar spot, billed monthly and the leak started soon after the last reading)The company does offer a payment plan, but, since the bill in in the tenant's name he would have to go on the plan and I would need to figure a way to pay him monthly. 

It started with the "heartbreaking" single family houses, full of run down yards, overgrown trees, ceramic sewer pipes, leaking galvanized water pipes and Cochroaches throughout.

Would looking at the surrounding rentals be a good place to start?

Folks don't go broke taking a profit.That said, if real estate is a long-term business for you, maybe start portioning cash flow into capx so these issues/expenses aren't as worrisome. 

Just started reading about the crowdfunding platforms like fundrise and crowdstreet.

I started with nothing and aggressively saved for almost a year until I had 10k for a downpayment on a cheap house.Step 2: Join online platforms like BiggerPockets, Eventbrite, Meetup, and Facebook groups to connect with investors and get an idea of what kind of properties to look for as investments.Step 3: Use Zillow to find agents and communicate what you’re looking for.Step 4: Analyze at least 5 properties a day in your target market for six months to understand what it would take for you to make positive cashflow.Step 5 Get pre approved from a bank.

Best -  Thanks in advance for your willingness to help someone starting out!!!

Start the process of making an actual booking and see what types of fees they are passing through to the guest.