Documentation is everythingStrong agreement on the importance of:Move-in photos (date/time stamped)Move-out photosMove-in inventory/checklist completed promptlyClear, itemized deductions tied to actual repair costSeveral noted that good documentation dramatically reduces disputes, even when charging.Repeated Best Practices That Clearly WorkSet expectations early (this came up a lot)Multiple people described this as a game-changer:Define wear vs damage in the leaseRequire move-in condition forms (often within 7–10 days)“Plan for the divorce before the wedding”This reframes the deposit as:Protection against damage — not a repainting fund.Don’t let tenants do repairsSeveral landlords:Tell tenants not to patch holes or fix drywallPrefer to handle it themselves to avoid bad repairsOnly charge when damage is truly extremeBudget for paint and light spackle every turnA very consistent message:You should expect paint and minor drywall work every turnoverDeposits are not meant to cover routine refresh costsOwners need to understand this upfront to avoid frustrationContext Factors People Consider (but don’t abuse)Mentioned multiple times:Length of tenancyNumber and age of occupantsOverall condition of the unitWhether damage is isolated or widespreadBut even with context, the dominant rule is still:Would this look fair to a neutral third party?

Being close to hospitals, labs, medical distribution, and major logistics corridors dramatically improves utilization and tenant stability.On top of that, as pre-prepared meal companies, food-delivery platforms, and specialty food brands expand into new regions, they create steady, long-term demand for exactly this type of infrastructure.

A few days before closing they switched the rate to 6.44% and increased fees dramatically.

This can dramatically change how the numbers look on paper.If you want to strengthen your position even more, I’d focus on paying down credit cards where possible and being conservative with your purchase price.

Some continuing claims may also be rolling off as benefit eligibility expires.Bottom line: the labor market isn’t strengthening dramatically, but it’s stable enough to support housing demand without forcing the Fed into aggressive moves.What to Watch This WeekJobs data takes center stage:Job openings & ADP private payrolls (Wednesday)Weekly jobless claims (Thursday)Full employment report + delayed construction data (Friday)These releases will help shape expectations for rates, buyer confidence, and early-year activity.Technical Snapshot (For the Rate Watchers)Mortgage bonds closed near the lower end of their recent range, while the 10-year Treasury yield finished just below 4.20% resistance.

Agreed, cost segregation will help boost cash flow as well.

Owning real estate in an entity and having Umbrella coverage are completed unrelated, and it's really misleading to suggest "boosting umbrella coverage in the meantime" is a suggested course of action.

If you can get the property for a low price, you can offset the occupancy issue and boost the effective cap rate.

These accelerated paper losses can substantially offset W2 income (with proper qualification or sufficient passive income), boosting your cash flow and helping you achieve your goal of stepping away from your W2 faster.

Please keep in mind that interest rates have risen dramatically in the past two months because the federal reserve keeps raising rates.