@Kody Smith We use AppFolio and overall, we’ve been really happy with it.What we like:Super easy listing and background verification processACH payments make rent collection smoothBuilt-in CRM for handling maintenance ticketsTenant messaging option (so we don’t have to give out our personal phone numbers)If you have the budget, their Smart Maintenance feature is worth checking out — it routes tenant calls through a call center and sends notifications to you, which really cuts down on handling small tenant issues yourself.What could be better:The accounting side could use improvement.

Partner Driven covered 100% of the funding, including the $80,000 purchase and the $55,000 renovation budget.

Anything you would approach differently given my goals and budget?

If the furnace is 25 years old and its life expectancy is 20, budget for a new furnace during your ownership.

The IRS wants to see that you’re actively directing and managing the business — things like approving budgets, coordinating repairs, analyzing performance, and making operational decisions — not just reviewing reports or responding to occasional updates.So while it’s not impossible, it’s rarely achievable unless you’re very hands-on, even from a distance, and have solid time logs to back it up.If you’re interested, I can share a free REPS tracker that helps you record and organize your hours.

Real-life landlord experience (our portfolio + contractors):We manage units with:Small workshopsAuto baysWarehousesFlex spacesIndustrial officesAnd the pattern is always the same:👉 Tankless = headaches, callbacks, and premature failure👉 Mini-tank = install and forgetThe reliability alone is worth more than the theoretical efficiency.Bottom LineFor industrial sink use:✅ Go with a 3–5 gallon traditional electric tank heater❌ Avoid small electric tankless unless you absolutely need endless hot water(which you don’t in this setup)Your electrical panel, your tenants, and your maintenance budget will thank you.

Anything you would approach differently given my goals and budget?

Even if you’re not in the U.S. yet, this market can work really well with the right team on the ground.A few quick guidelines:South Side:• Generally more stable for new investors• Strong rental demand• Solid cash-flow neighborhoods like Layton Blvd, Burnham Park, Lincoln VillageNorth Side:• Higher cash flow potential but also higher management needs• Only recommended if you have a strong local property manager and contractor• Look for pockets near Sherman Park, Midtown, Old North MilwaukeeIf you want, I can share a more detailed neighborhood breakdown or help you match the right area to your budget and strategy.

One other thing to note most multi-family inventory is older so increase your Cap Ex budget when analyzing deals.

Yet your contractor will just ignore it and not even put it in budget and it will come up later.When I weigh the risk and rewards of flipping right now, it's not even close.