I still wonder if this is the best way to focus my time and energy or could I be more successful in another "traditional" type of business.When you think $100 - $300 a door a month, it doesn't sound like much money on one hand, but on the other hand you have a steady monthly cash flow, hopefully an appreciating asset, tax benefits, etc...I guess my question is, for the people that fully committed themselves to investing in real estate, what made you choose this path over another?

Selling the property gives you the profit up front but Renting, as an alternative, can provide steady income over a longer period of time.

quantites of material need to be defined. define if you will supply them or will the contractor. ask questions when you dont understand.

There has been a requirement that a disclosure be supplied by sellers and landlords, but this is a HUD rule that has been around for a while now.

I hear rental is at a very short supply with all the craziness going on.

The market in TO has become increasingly difficult due to low supply.

Here in PA there is a 100 year supply of natural gas in the ground.The natural gas price is 60% lower than oil here.I have been converting all oil furnaces and boilers to natural gas.Where natural gas is not available I'm using electric HEAT PUMPS, which have central air built in.I would never put electric baseboard heat in an old house.

I took off work the other day to go buy supplies at Staples.

Then when we started sourcing Japanese properties, all sorts of people, including very influential hedge fund managers etc (of the sort that brought the market crashing down in 2008) were saying similar things ("prices haven't risen in 15 years etc") - they're all (mom included) laughing out of the other side of their mouths now ;)Slow and steady does it - it takes those who go against the grain to make a real killing - and Detroit may be just the place to hit now, of all times.Best of luck and welcome aboard!

The application and late fees are an additional income.The admin fees are a number of fees including phone, licensing, office supplies, bank fees and credit/background checks.Maintenance salary is a repair expense, not a management expense.Service contracts do not include capital repairs.