The going rate locally ranges from $1600-2100/mo, depending on time of year and if I choose to allow pets.

Maybe allow and look for a tenant with a dog.In my market, appreciation rates are closely tied to school districts, I.e. you will see lower market values  and appreciation rates for similar homes depending if they are .5 miles east and in a more ‘desirable’ school district or high school zone, or .5 miles west and in a less desirable district/high school zone.to give you an example; my buyer just bought a 2bed/2bath duplex in a lower market value (LMV) area of Raytown.

My question is considering the above, what strategies exist that would allow me to leverage the free and clear condo such that I am expanding my portfolio, or am I kind of stuck in a holding pattern of waiting until these existing leases expire, and then potentially selling the properties?

I’ve also used Chat GPT to write a few of these letters then printed out the sample and totally customized it so it doesn’t sound computer generated.

I had a question from a customer today and would love to know best practices on how to handle.His Mother owns a home and has a Will naming her son as the beneficiary, is there anything else that should be done? 

You are not responsible to pay the commission as the seller and agents have a listing agreement that dictates how much that will be.That said, I'm assuming the seller needs a certain amount of cash at closing from you in order to pay the commission, so as part of your offer, you could ask the agent if they would take payments over time with a reasonable interest rate secured by the real estate and this would allow you to come to the table with less cash. 

A walk through inspection could allow you to rule out alot of tenant related issues of false mold.  

There is still great opportunity in Galveston, but its really more of a management/customer service game than a real estate game and I think a lot of people forget that and end up realizing they are not cut out for it.

Thank you for the info regarding constraints with GC pricing and marketing to SF Bay customers.

@Lateefah Mathews Greetings BiggerPockets Community,Allow me to share a chapter from my unfolding real estate odyssey.