A family friend is thinking about selling their house in Malden, MA. 

Especially if you do the math on the inflation loss against depreciation and the fact you're likely not re-investing cash.Why would you try to find deals in the most miserable city @Ashley Kehr? 

I agree here that I wouldn't get involved in a project unless it meets similar criteria because the math simply doesn't math.

There’s always a little homework involved—tenants, maintenance calls, insurance stuff, etc.

Don't get fixated on the IDEA of what something is, instead always follow the FULL math.

I’ve seen sub-1% deals still cash flow once the full numbers are dialed in.Biggest thing—run the rental math now, not later.

A lot of new investors go that route when their local market doesn’t offer the returns or opportunities they’re looking for.The key is having a solid team on the ground (agent, property manager, contractor) and doing your homework on the market.

My quick math on your current deal says you would need to cash flow $1000 net of taxes to make this make sense. 

Either way you gotta first fix your math and viability. 

Sounds like you’ve done your homework.