For most of us in our fifties, we've been through rates in the teens and still invested.

Make sure you’re not overpaying on a “lease-option” style deal.🔹 Step 5: Quick Math on ScenariosScenarioGross RentExpensesNOICash FlowCurrent Rents$1,725$2,100–$375/moNegativeRents Raised to $600 avg$2,400$2,100+$300/moModest PositiveRents Raised to $750 avg$3,000$2,100✅ Bottom LineAs-is → deal loses money every month.If rents can be raised to market ($600–750+ per unit) → deal could become very profitable.But to get there, you’d likely need to turn over some tenants, renovate, and risk vacancies.The financing terms ($1,600/mo for 30 months) are aggressive — you’re effectively paying the seller quickly, which creates upfront negative cash flow risk.📌 My advice:Get those CMAs and rent comps confirmed.Have an inspector walk the property — don’t assume long-term tenants = well-maintained.Negotiate seller terms — maybe lower the monthly to cover expenses until rents are raised.I love this thanks you so much.

We want to create an affordable SRO-style housing product with common facilities and meal plans included in monthly charges.

The closings are starting domino style this week and I'll have a closing for the next 3 months. 

A sauna + steam shower is a great way to stand out without a hot tub, guests love spa-style upgrades, and they boost photos.For the adventure cabin vibe, add practical “experience” touches: a gear wall or mudroom area, boot warmers, trail maps, a small repair station, or a cozy reading nook.

I had no idea what I was doing when we started, and honestly, after I figured out how to actually analyze deals for profitability, I think the only thing that saved my rental is that I have a background in Interior Design and it's a very sought after, current style of furnishing.

You won't get the post '08' style collapse.

Hey Evan, solid list of markets you’re looking at...those all have pretty different strengths depending on your goals.I work with investors in a few of those areas (Arizona and Texas especially), and what I’ve seen is people usually narrow down their choice by looking at three things:What kind of tenant base they’re comfortable serving (workforce housing vs lifestyle renters)Property taxes and insurance costs (big swings between states)How involved they plan to be in the management sideIf you’re still figuring out what kind of market fits your investing style, I can connect you with a few people who started out-of-state and built small portfolios in those same regions.

You might even want a CPA who can handle it all, tax planning, bookkeeping guidance, and strategic advice, so you’re set up for growth and efficiency as your portfolio expands.Here are 3 things I’d look for when interviewing CPAs for a real estate portfolio like yours:Real Estate Expertise: Experience with both long-term and short-term rentals, understanding of deductions, deferrals, and strategies to save on taxes.Proactive Guidance: Someone who actively looks for ways to optimize your portfolio and keeps you ahead of tax law changes.Communication Style: They should explain things clearly, answer your questions, and work in a way that fits your style, virtual meetings, email, calls, etc.Once you narrow it down, you’ll have a much clearer picture of who can help you save the most and grow your portfolio efficiently.

Make sure that the rent comps come from properties of similar vintage (IE - year built), size (# units), and type (garden style / mixed use midrise / townhomes, etc).