Now we're seeing investors pouring money into buying Class C rentals - but, many are getting burned.In our experience & opinion, the main determinant of property Class is not location or even property condition, those are #2 and #3.

That growth means strong rental demand and appreciation potential, which is exactly what you want when starting out.

Property Condition & Amenities: it’s important to, “Maintain to the Neighborhood.”Key metrics for each Property Class:Class A Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 680+, no convictions/evictions in last 7 years.Tenant Default: 0-5% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Section 8: Class A rents are too high and won’t be approved.Vacancies: 5-10%, depending on market conditions.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Class B Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 620-680, some blemishes, no convictions/evictions in last 5 years.Tenant Default: 5-10% probability of eviction or early lease termination.Vacancies: 10-15%, depending on market conditions.Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 1-3 years for positive cashflow, balanced amounts of relative rent & value appreciation.Section 8: Class B rents are usually too high for the Section 8 program.Class C Properties:Tenant Pool: Majority of FICO scores 560-620, many blemishes, but should have no convictions/evictions in last 3 years.

Start by checking platforms like Rentometer, Zillow, and Craigslist for similar SFHs within a few-mile radius, even if they're not in your exact target neighborhood.

They don’t account condition, or extra features, etc.  

Having someone local who’s already built strong connections sounds like exactly what I need as I figure out how to build a trustworthy team on the ground.Appreciate you offering to share your insight!

Buyer/selling has more to do with the specific property and the timing in your plan than "conditions" of the general market. 

Are there alternative approaches under Vermont law that might allow us to either require improved conditions (due to health/safety concerns) or provide support/resources while still protecting ourselves as landlords?

I have two properties now that I've improved slowly over time, and cash flow well, but it wasn't exactly a straight line of success. 

Lower LTV** improves your debt-to-income for future acquisitionsExample from a BP member I helped last week:- Denver rental purchased January 2023: $425,000- Current value: $455,000 (7% appreciation)- Current LTV: 81.3%- Extra payment needed: $7,400- Monthly PMI eliminated: $195- Cash-on-cash return improvement: 2.8 percentage pointsThe Step-by-Step ProcessWeek 1: Analysis- Pull your current mortgage balance- Get realistic property valuation (not Zillow - use recent sold comps)- Calculate exact LTV- Determine gap to 80%Week 2: Decision- Compare ROI of PMI removal vs other investments- Check if you have the liquidity- Consider tax implicationsWeek 3-4: Execution- Contact loan servicer IN WRITING- Request PMI removal requirements- Make lump sum payment if needed- Order appraisal if required ($400-600)Week 5-8: Follow-up- Weekly check-ins with servicer- Confirm PMI removal on statement- Redirect savings to next investmentImportant Reminders for September 20251.