As an example, if you purchase additional paint for touch ups throughout the year, you can expense it all at once. 

Additionally VA and FHA loans probably won't pay for new construction.What you should do, is find a C+ or B- class duplex or quadplex, live in one part of it and rent out the other units.

Cashflow is bigger.Profit is bigger.Done right, management is actually less than houses.I typically make $400K-$600K profit per multi-unit apartments, in addition to the cashflow on a monthly basis.

It would be one thing If i were just starting, but I just think at this stage of the game that commission has way higher value as a bargaining chip on an offer (the one thing I know I can do without help) than any additional realtor services that would accompany it.

I just purchased our first commercial retail property at the end of last year so I am still learning but very interested in the retail as well as the multi-family space.In addition to the great resources here in the forums, I encourage you to check out one of the many local meetups to connect with even more investors. 

Feel free to ask anything additional if needed.

You have a duty to be efficient, otherwise he could claim that it took 73+ days to rent simply because you dragged your feet after receiving his move out notice.Read your own lease, and if the tenant is required by your lease to cover the costs, I would inform the tenant, also in writing, that you "accept the offer of 2 months rent, in advance, as escrow for breach", and that "tenant shall be responsible for any additional re-rental costs; tenant shall receive a pro-rated refund if the unit is re-rented in less than 2 months."

Also, you're continuing to build equity in your current property and if needed may be able to use HELOC for additional projects.Originally posted by @Jason Heard:Thanks for the welcome @Alina Trigub!"

What they said ^^^^..... in addition, I would see if the current owner has an enviromental report (phase one or phase two). 

You can then pay some additional flat fee upon the sale of the property in exchange for your favorable pay schedule.