I am interested in finding a grade C property that I could turn into a B+ or A- minus with some love and TLC. 

If you need to put money in to fix something, what will be your plan B?  

So let's say, it is a 500,000 investment and you guys agree to a 40% (partner A) for you, 30% (partner B + C) for each money partner and an 8% preferred return.  

I have been searching and these are the kind of houses that I am seeing on Craiglist, MLS, papers, etc..30K older homes in C/D neighborhoods that will rent out for about $575 - $650 with $5000 worth of renovations.70 to 100K 70ish homes in B/C neighborhoods that will rent out for $850 to $1200 depending on price and other variables.100 to 250K 80/90 ish homes in A/B neighborhoods that will rent out for $1200 to $1800 depending on price and other variables.Duplexes seem non-existent or as the podcast gurus have said are a "Waldo" property with too much downside to take a gamble.

(But some people don't want to live so close to their tenants.)B.  

Originally posted by @Marylyn B.

Further, the conditions there do in fact change drastically from street to street: you can go from a B- neighborhood into a D- neighborhood in a single step. 

So while @Brett B. is technically correct if the landlord does everything, don't think that just because you see a tenant's credit report you will know if they have had an eviction.

Built in 2002, it is a fully rented four plex (one unit is month-to-month so we would move in there).Current asking price: $495,000 (though originally listed at 474k, he upped the price after 16 days)Days on Zillow Market: Over 100Reason for Selling: To either purchase a SFH for himself and his GF or buy a commercial property, possibly storage unitsRents: 4,400 monthly (Owner said 2 units could be easily increased by $50 to $75 each)Expenses (annual)Property Taxes (assessed 2014): 7,754Insurance: 3,000 (guess)Maintenance & Repairs: 4,200 (guess)Utilities: 4,500 (average for last 18 months from water company, owner currently pays water/sewer/trash but there are separate water meters so we would look into passing this to the tenants as the leases expire)Advertising: $150 (only advertising is for new tenants when leases expire)Administrative/Misc Costs: $150Mortgage Insurance: $6,501 (from mortgage broker at 490k loan level)Snow Removal: $1,500 (as acountants, our busy season is during the winter and we don't have the time or patience to deal with this, there is a sidewalk + steps + driveway and back parking area to be plowed)Lawn Care: $150 (supplies fund, we will mow it ourself, first year expense of a lawnmower not included)Mortgage: 26,579 (FHA, 3.5% down, 3.75%)At 495kAnnual cash flow: $-1,684CoC: -9.72%NOI: 24,895Total ROI: 40.89%At 450k (keeping mortgage insurance at 490k loan level b/c I don't have other numbers)Annual cash flow: 762CoC: 4.84%NOI: 24,895Total ROI: 55.54%As it stands, my numbers are telling me this deal will not work, given the $100/mo/unit minimum standard most people are looking for here.This is the first deal that I have really looked at though as seriously buying, so I would love other people's opinions on my analysis.

As a newbie myself, I am choosing b).