Bob replied, "I've lived in Chicago all my life.

You may be ahead of your reserves for a year or two, but quickly can fall behind those your reserves, as budgeted.I take a very conservative approach, but not only budget all recurring items, like landscaping and snow removal, but also take the replacement cost of every item divided by the useful life (both physically and aesthetically) and budget that as well.  

If you can use email, sms, and paid ad marketing to find off market deals, and let homeowners know why your offer would make THEIR life easier (especially if they are an older landlord) - then you're golden!

Anyone else have a partner on any of their properties and taken Life Insurance polices out?

The recovery time on added cost can be 15 years, which isn't far off from the useful life.

Real estate is supposed to make life better.

On the hook if something breaks during its life.

Just wanted to congratulate you on your success, you made life better for yourself and whoever ends up living there.

Like you, I wanted to move out and have a space for me and a couple friends to stay as well, but I realized that everyone has their own paths and intentions in life.

That's how to be a millionaire fast. third - not sure your job or life situation but worry about getting your license first.