Rent a place that comfortably fits in their budget and then pay their rent on time. 

@Kevin Polite Assuming that these are pockets that you've invested in personally, do you still feel comfortable buying in those areas?

I’m pretty comfortable running the numbers in those areas as well as Killeen, FT.

Yes, you are leaving money on the table . . . and you are sleeping comfortably at night.

HML don't want the headache of FC'ing on you, but if they're lending you $100k on a property that you're going to spend $30k on and sell for $200k, they're comfortable lending to you at 10-15%.

If you show them that you are trying to do everything right and that you are keeping them in the loop, that gives them more of a comfort level and usually they will be more willing to work with you on issues.

So the question becomes what level of risk are you comfortable with in order to get higher returns.If you decide to invest internationally, feel free to reach out.

Can you increase the income on the Oakland property to make you more comfortable either by refinancing (rates have dropped!)

We provide all the comforts of home so people can bring kids and grandma who may not be as interested in hitting the lake every day.

You can coordinate with the tenants to work while they’re home or if they’re comfortable with it, while they’re at work.