The idea of risk class adjustments and underestimating assumptions for older properties makes a lot of sense, and I hadn’t fully considered scenario pricing before.Seeing multiple price points to determine the maximum safe offer is a great framework for avoiding guesswork, and it really highlights how much thought goes into small multifamily underwriting.

It’s systems vs stress.For a first duplex, out of state, here’s how I’d think about it:When self-managing can workSelf-management is realistic if you have all of the following in place:A reliable local handyman who answers calls and bills promptlyA clear tenant screening framework (income, rental history, evictions, consistency)Management software for rent collection, maintenance tickets, and documentationA local leasing solution (lockboxes, self-showings, or a paid runner)Familiarity with Ohio landlord-tenant laws and leasesIf any one of those is weak, self-managing becomes reactive very fast.The biggest mistake new owners makePeople underestimate leasing and screening, not maintenance.Bad tenants cost far more than 10% management fees ever will.If you self-manage, you must:Control screening criteria yourselfNever bend standards to “fill the unit”Treat leasing like a system, not a favorSoftware that’s “enough” for small portfoliosFor 1–5 units:TenantCloudAvailBuildium (solid but heavier than you need at first)You don’t need enterprise tools.

I’m here to learn what reporting routines and frameworks experienced investors actually use in practice. 

@Jay SmithThis is a great example of why screening frameworks have to be adjusted by market.

There is a lot to navigate here, especially with the specific legal frameworks in Maryland regarding creative financing, but the community of action-takers in the DMV is incredibly supportive.

This is a framework for evaluating markets based on real migration and economic drivers.Below is my working thesis on each region, what questions I’m trying to answer, and the specific data points I want the community to help validate or challenge.📍 1) Coeur d’Alene / Spokane (ID/WA)Thesis:The Inland Northwest is attracting in‑migration due to relative affordability, quality of life, and remote/portable employment.

What can be overwhelming is that often AI will give you a portion of what it is that you need, but it tends to make suggestions that can take you down a rabbit hole and then next thing you know, you've wasted hours and still haven't crafted anything useful.I am mentioning this because it sounds like you're asking for prompts but I think what you're actually trying to tackle is designing a repeatable analysis system that AI plugs into.Instead of one giant prompt, try building these three prompts instead: a) a fixed analysis framework prompt (define how AI should think, calculate and structure outputs.

One thing that stood out is how many investors have not been exposed to the importance dealing with the same core challenges:• Knowing what to analyze vs over-analyzing• Wanting to network but not knowing how to approach it• Trying to move from “learning mode” to first real dealThis week I’m focused on breaking down:•Simple deal analysis frameworks that don’t require advanced spreadsheets•How to actually start conversations with investors, lenders & agents (without feeling awkward or spammy)•What beginners should prioritize before their first buy-&-holdNo guru talk — just practical steps & real conversations.If you’re early in your investing journey: 👉 What’s your biggest obstacle right now — analysis, capital, confidence or connections?

The “Never Sell” framework is an endgame strategy.

Think of it like this: if a $2,500 cage prevents a $6,000 compressor replacement or repeated theft, it’s not optional.The simple framework I’d use (so you don’t get wrecked)If you’re chasing $50k–$90k houses, expect higher risk + higher management intensity.If you buy in the $130k–$200k range (often 3/2 brick ranch territory), you usually get a better balance: still cash flow potential, fewer headaches, better tenants, better resale.If you’re new to Columbus, do this before buying anythingSpend one day driving neighborhoods (or do a video drive with a local PM/agent)Underwrite with real numbers:insurance quote in handvacancy (at least 5–8%)repairs/CapEx reservesproperty management (even if you self-manage)Avoid buying your first deal sight unseen.If you want, I can share a quick “starter buy box” by zip code and property type (cash flow vs stability), but the big takeaway is: Columbus can work, just don’t buy the cheapest thing on the map and expect it to behave.