For instance, if I place a property under contract in Raleigh, NC and later decide to walk after I've incurred expenses, those expenses simply stay on the books until I eventually purchase a property in Raleigh, NC.

Guess I never paid attention, I just know on some more expensive items I just figure to go in the store (i.e. new xmas tree this year was $600) so worth the few mins extra time driving versus having it delivered to my door to get the 10% discount, but I never calculated if it was actually 10% just paid once they rung it in with discount. 

Keep your expenses low and house hack as soon as you can.One thing I wish I did when I was younger was get into sales earlier.

@Bonnie Low  How does baselane handle credit card transactions?

“Cheap is Expensive”

Make your improvements with “tenant-proofing” in mind so that it will make a good low maintenance rental when you move out.  

The Lender’s DCR – Theoretical and OptimisticLenders calculate Debt Coverage Ratio (DCR) by dividing Net Operating Income (NOI) by Annual Debt Service.Their version of NOI is usually based on: Market rent (sometimes even above actual rent) Standard vacancy allowance (often 5%) Limited expenses — typically taxes, insurance, and maybe management at 8–10%That’s it.

@Ginger Olinghouse You’re in a strong position with your rental’s equity and low mortgage rate, but I understand how the higher interest and low reserves on your primary can create pressure.

So Doorvest is getting everything that produces a high return and you get the aspects of real estate investing that have low a return. 

Those may have similar docs where each side agrees to pay for half the roof when needed or siding, but that gets association shared expenses down to very little, maybe a small shared insurance policy for the full roof as you aren't going to replace half a roof.Small condo associations (2-units) also may lead to more frustrations if there is a dispute on how to maintain something and who to turn to if one side isn't paying or keeping things looking nice.