It's unlikely that you can increase the value by $20k with only $10k of work.

I'm in Grand Rapids, a few of us on here. 

Yup...you just need to keep increasing the down payment, thus reducing the mortgage payment til the self sufficiency test is met. 

Now, in the case of buying a triplex or fourplex in a cheaper market, we are thinking a turnkey property and saw some options that would give us about $450-$600/month positive cashflow.On paper, it seems the smart option is to buy outside of state and get that cash flow going but there's one important thing, we live in a 1 bedroom apt with a 21-month old girl, which means maybe we have 1 more year at our current place and we'll definitely have to move to a 2-bd place and rent will increase by $500-$1000. at least, so then, there's not so much difference anymore.I'd love to know your thoughts.Thank you in advance!

I simply wonder why an owner would create a ten year lease for any tenant, especially since it wouldn’t allow for rent increases.

However don’t forget that there are unseen benefits that increase the return when compared to stocks.  

During slowing months if we don’t run a move in special - it could increase vacancy time immensely - especially during the colder months.

Hello everyone,I am newbie in this Real estate area, but it has been my dream for few years now. 2019, i am strong determined to increase my knowledge, ready as many books as possible, listen podcast, attend meetups which i was procrastinating for a long time.

Increased rents on both tenants and are in process of evaluating a refinance to pull repair/investment $$ out of the property.

SFH present different pros and cons but one interesting idea I heard on BiggerPockets Podcast 185: How “Rent-to-Own” Can Increase Cash Flow and Maximize Equity with Bill Powers is "rent-to-own"