I have moonlighted for several Architects and through hard work and good fortune stumbled on an opportunity to become an apprentice electrical engineer. 10 years later I am a senior engineer, together with my wife, have a decent portfolio of Real Estate.

U.S. inflation averaged about 4.55% per year over the past five years.Looking at the impact of inflation on current buying power.

Underground electric is 6 week leadtime.  

Do you have separate hot water heaters, furnaces, electric, gas, etc?

After replacing the electric panel, painting, updating the kitchen, treating for termites and removing the popcorn ceiling i’m pretty sure we have about $50,000 or more in equity currently.

So, give them money to move.Bought for $157,100.38 ****** ARV$245,000.005 bed 3 bath – Phoenix AZThese are the numbers from the HUD statementBought for $157,100.38 ****ARV$245,000.00Existing Loan Amt Payoff $118,145.37*Subject To$118,145.37****Closing Costs From HUDTitle$1,045.00Escrow$1,400.00County Taxes$538.38Recording Fee$120.00Cash to seller$10,000.00Misc other charges$525.00Total Amount Due $$13,628.38***Arrears To Bring Account DueTotal Number of Missed Payments:11Total Payment Amount$10,095.47Unpaid Late Charges$146.84Additional Amounts:Foreclosure Fee/Cost$354.19Unpaid Advance Bal$1,101.75Total Amount Due $$11,698.25***FHA Loan Mod 2nd$11,582.44***My Out of Pocket$36,909.07***Total Cost Basis of Purchase$155,054.44ARV (After Repair Value)$245,000.00Repairs Post Purchase$ 5,000.00 +/-Unrealized Profit$84,945.56***Equity (ARV minus Subject To payoff)$126,854.63***I strongly recommend having 3 months reserves as follows:Monthly Mortgage$917.77(Taxes included)Electric Monthly$362.21Water & Sewer Monthly$102.80HOA – None$0Reserves3 months mortgage payments @ $917.77 per month = $2,753.313 months Electric payments @ $362.21 per month = $1,086.633 months Water payments @ $102.80 per month = $ 308.40 Minimum Reserves Total $4,148.34Then I turned around and sold it to someone in CA on a Lease Option for $265,000 getting $20,000 down on a nonrefundable Option fee, and rent of $1,900 a month.

It doesn’t matter what you pay (within reason) - time on task and the power of compounding are the amazing gifts of home ownership!

There is no other opportunity available to normal people with that kind of power.   

You don't want to stretch yourself to thin though, I started small and my buying power increased over time.

Depreciation is one of the most powerful tax tools available to real estate investors.