Termite bond & pest control 600+ yr, 400-700+ hoa fee (depending on which neighborhood).

Here's what you need to look for:Make sure to ask every GC you meet if they are licensed, insured, and bonded.

Its a lIfe long covenant ...a bond .

If they inherited the home, there are likely emotional bonds they have with the property. 

Factors they look into are: Do you have current investments, do you have cash on hand, do you hold bonds or stocks, do you have a 401K, they'll want you to list all current debts, and the list goes on so they can get a better picture as to why you think you're worthy of the loan. 

If you've read anything about non real estate investing, you know them by a different name -- bonds.

Yes, we have a construction company that is licensed, bonded and insured that does quality work at very reasonable rates. 

The are licensed and hired annually by the HOA and are bonded and insured and carry credentials with them.   

PMI is so cheap that you could put that extra 15-20% into a US treasury bond and have more than enough to cover PMI. 

Instead of the 60/40 stock to bond portfolio, I'd like for real estate to replace the bond portion.