For the down payment, most hard money or private lenders will want you to have some skin in the game — usually around 10 to 20 percent of the purchase price, depending on your experience and deal strength.Always budget extra for closing costs too.

Given Portland’s rules and prices, keep it simple and conservative: define a tight buy box (SFH 3/1–3/2 or small duplex in stable, landlord‑friendly pockets), underwrite with real taxes/insurance from the address, PM‑verified rents, and a healthy repair/vacancy buffer; ADUs can work but pencil them as a bonus, not the reason the deal works.

Just trying to find the right balance between treating tenants well and keeping the numbers healthy.  

-Signal of momentum: Major infrastructure projects like this highlight continued investment in Charlotte’s urban core — a positive signal for long-term property values.If you own or are targeting properties near South End, Uptown, Dilworth, or South Tryon, this project positions you ahead of future demand growth once the bridge opens.Charlotte-Area ZIPs With the Lowest Vacancy Rates (October 2025)These submarkets are showing vacancy rates below 10%, reflecting strong tenant demand and rental stability:ZIP Code​Vacancy Rate28092​ 4%280125%280526%286777%280818%281158%281348%282168%280369%280379%280279%281059%282179%280789%What this means:-Markets with ≤ 10% vacancy signal tight rental conditions and healthy absorption.

Repairs and upgrades boost value but can drain liquidity.Are you using any financing tools to manage improvements while maintaining healthy cash flow?

There’s definitely a healthy mix of stable rental pockets and up and coming areas showing steady growth.

That’s what keeps a portfolio healthy long term.

If you can find a property that is in need of a lot scrape or retrofit, but is in proximity to a grocery center with good access and visibility, their is likely several ways to "skin that cat" from a build to suit to a ground lease, etc.  

Put more skin in the game.

I’ve been talking with a few investors lately who mentioned they’re shifting focus from large rehabs to smaller, quicker flips — especially in markets where holding costs and labor are getting tougher to manage.It seems like more people are choosing cosmetic updates or smaller square footage homes to keep margins healthy and timelines short.Curious if anyone else is noticing this trend in their market:Are you adjusting your project sizes this year?