The market is competitive but it is still possible to be profitable even in this day and age.

@Arthur Luay At age 40, if your goal is to save for a down payment on your first long-term rental, the best option depends on your timeline and risk tolerance—but here's how each choice stacks up: A savings account offers safety and liquidity but earns minimal interest.

Optional but nice to add.Expenses (as % of rental income or fixed):Vacancy: 3–6%Maintenance: 5–8%CapEx: 5–8% (especially if roof, HVAC, etc. are aging)Management: 8–10% (even if self-managing, I budget this)Property Taxes & Insurance: Use actual or estimate based on comps.

Remote workers want a comfy chair, but some of the best ergonomic chairs are space-age monstrosities that don't vibe with a chic look.

Our investors eat them up like hot cakes - really great performing properties to get in to at low entry price points that have been fully rehabbed, all major systems older than 10 years of age replaced and local PM company already in place. 

Congratulations on your commitment to saving and embarking on your real estate investment journey at such a young age!

My parents are approaching retirement age and this would set them up a secure source of recurring income and would set my wife and I up for stronger cash flow than we're getting now.The current ownership is split about 40/60—this was how the down payment was split.

It's really a different world now.This analogy: I remember accompanying my dad, a pediatrician now aged 89, on probably one of his last house calls.

The insurance company will need verification of your rental income to properly compensate you during repairs when the property cannot be rented.Prior Flood Damage DisclosureMost concerning is the potential non-disclosure of prior flood damage.

Agree with not going the kitchy neon and mural route, I don't think that design trend will age well.