Regular inspections and scheduled maintenance (like cleaning gutters, checking smoke detectors, and servicing HVAC) protect your investment.Treating it like a hobby, not a businessTrack income, expenses, and receipts properly.

Back in 2010 banks wanted to get rid of their REO before the end of the year, later it was short sales, today it's just regular sellers that are seeing the leaves turn, we may get the first night frost this weekend, showings are slowing down more and more every week - seller anxietly is growing.If you look at the chart you can see an over 10% swing betweeen highs and lows.

Or is it better to just find a property on the market with a regular loan.

I am a regular listener to the Bigger Pockets podcasts when I am doing chores around my house and my STR property. 

I regularly work with investors who insist on chasing the last dollar.  

If something happens on your property and your regular insurance doesn’t cover everything, your umbrella policy steps in to protect your assets and savings.If you see yourself building a portfolio, then it’s smart to think through your long-term setup early.

About 3 years ago, with my regular title company, we closed in 2 days.

Do the inspection, communicate with the tenants, treat the unit and monitor regularly!

I have regular bank accounts, credit union and retirement accounts but know there is better options than just savings. 

But the B class duplex properties in my area (Springfield MO) are priced so they don't cash flow before they're paid off. in other words I have to cover $300-600/month for about 5 years (on a $250K+ properties).The reason I can pay off in 5 years is I have ability to pay large amounts against principal every month (from my regular job income), but I only have 82K for a down payment.Once it's paid off, the property would produce almost 1000$ net cash flow.Are these good numbers or do I need to do things differently?