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?

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

Cost segregation can dramatically accelerate depreciation and tax benefits, but I've seen investors waste money on studies that delivered minimal value.

For now, expect modest rate declines and heightened focus on hedging strategies as markets digest this liquidity boost.

Performance often varies dramatically by township due to STR regulations, enforcement, and permitting requirements.Another area to stress-test is seasonality.

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

While I haven't built any ADUs personally, I've done some digging and chatted with a few investors who've gone down that path.ADUs can definitely be a valuable addition to your properties and help boost cash flow.

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

I think your odds of finding the right CPA for you will increase dramatically if you look the forums here and reach out to a few people you connect well with.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, its quantitative-easing (QE) program involved large-scale purchases of Treasuries and MBS, boosting demand, elevating bond prices, and suppressing long-term yields—including mortgage rates.