We know that upfront expenses shown are usually deceiving in order to invoke a higher price.

I currently live in one of the most expensive parts of the country, the "Bay Area" or Silicon Valley.

It was all rented, good cash flow after all expenses paid, got a good price (needs TLC but not falling down, hey, its all rented) so I can rehab later (little by little), maybe do brrrr and my goal is to pay it off in about 5-7 years. 

So, I am based out of Northern Virginia and property around here is expensive and positive cash flow is definitely a challenge, unless it's done right.Looked at this article, very very helpful: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/10145/68178-to...But have several questions 1- For local investment, since VA is big, can other parts of VA a good option for a rental, especially ones which have a college/university?

Adding another meter base and city water meter could increase your cost to build a lot, but lower the monthly expenses. 

Then we often time the leases to end in the Summer.....rent in Feburary you might get a 16month lease....etc.I think these days with the shortage of inventory in DFW it would be tough to time the market on a purchase and a rental and think you are going to either save a bunch of money on the purchase or rent for a lot more by waiting for a certain timing.There sure seem to be a lot of expensive rentals on the market right now, so buy as cheap as you can stand in the neighborhoods you feel comfortable with.

I'm sure the debt you'd have to service on this loan would be less expensive than a hard money loan, also this option keeps your cash reserves higher thus your risk exposure down - as you would only have to make monthly payments and come out of pocket for the renovations.Just make sure to do the necessary renovations to get the dollar value you are seeking on the sale and I'm sure this opportunity could be the one to get the confidence under your belt to continue investing down the road!

I am reviewing a property management agreement and came across this clause RE: Indemnification that seems too broad:INDEMNIFICATION:(a) The Owner shall indemnify, defend and save Agent harmless from all suits and/or other legal proceedings whatsoever and cost incurred therefrom in connection with the management of the Property and from liability for injuries suffered by any employee or other person whomsoever, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of Agent or its employees, (b) The Owner shall indemnify and hold harmless the Agent from and against any costs, loss, expense or damage (including attorney's fees) suffered or incurred by the Agent arising out of or related to the enforcement of this Agreement arising out of a default or other breach by the Owner, the management, operation, improvement, alteration and leasing of the Property, including all other activities arising out of or related to Agent's duties under this Agreement or as a result of any act or thing done or permitted by the Agent or its agents or employees; provided, however, that such indemnification shall not apply to any such cost, loss, expense or damage to the extent that the same relates to or as a result of conduct by Agent which constitutes willful and wanton misconduct.It seems like if one of the Property Manager workers (aka Agent) slips and hurts himself while cleaning the floor the "Owner" is then responsible. 

If you're only underwriting a 5% management fee remember there will be payroll expenses as well.  

In regards to the potential property #s, one expense I don't see is lawn care/maintenance.