With repair costs rising and turnover times increasing, many are adjusting recommended reserves.Common answers I’m hearing:• $2,000–$3,000 per unit for single-family• 1–2 months of rent for multifamily• Additional reserves for older propertiesSome investors are also using short-term funding to cover heavier turnovers or larger repairs instead of draining reserves.Curious what property managers and self-managing landlords here recommend — what’s your reserve target per door in last quarter of 2025?

Love the energy, Michael.

Hello,I’m considering the purchase of a duplex in San Francisco that is currently tenant-occupied.My goal is to occupy the larger top unit through an owner move-in eviction and share both the garage and backyard with the downstairs tenant while keeping their rent flat.

There is always small stuff to take care of so building a trusted team of tradesmen will also help save time and energy.

I am becoming more involved with the business so I decided to get my brokers license and learn more about how other people manage larger complexes.

For example:1-bed/1-bath units tend to have higher turnover, Larger units (like 3/2 duplexes) often attract more stable tenants. 

If the answer is no, selling isn’t quitting, it’s reallocating your time, energy, and capital into something that fits you better.You could make the light repairs, get it rent-ready, and stabilize it again, but if that idea feels more like a burden than a strategy, it may be the right time to move on and put your resources into a cleaner, higher-performing opportunity.

Queens typically has larger lot sizes when compared to Brooklyn which could mean more access to private parking (driveway, garage) and other benefits.All the best to you on your search!

In a perfect world, I’d live in the smaller unit and rent out the larger one, or maybe even run an Airbnb if the property makes senseI’m looking for a mix of cash flow and stability/appreciation.

Tie choice to ROI: rent premium, energy savings, and lower maintenance vs. window units.