These were all originally live-in units we just slowly collected and have pretty good loans (VA or my 2020 2.5%) hence not as optimized.

It has to be marketable, but there are much better properties than mine in this neighborhood.It comes down to 3 basic pillars, and I'll give one example of each here, and will go into more depth on each when I have a bit more time.1) Listing Optimization - Bullet points, color.

I’m still active, but the profile of what works has changed.I don’t think performing notes are dying, but they’re no longer a casual, low-touch yield play for small investors the way they were 3–5 years ago.What I’m seeing in 2025–2026:• Servicing and compliance costs matter now.

For those getting started, go to paperstac to find performing notes.

That “risk‑on” tone is lifting both U.S. stocks and Treasuries—economic optimism is once again trumping geopolitical noise.

Nothing helped me see how my actual property performance compared to my original projections.

@Madison ClarkGreat question—and you’re thinking about the right trade-offs.There isn’t a single “right” answer here; it really comes down to what you’re optimizing for: monthly cash flow vs. liquidity/simplicity.A few ways to frame the decision:Option 1: Fix it and re-rentYou’re all-in roughly $7,800 ($6k repairs + $1.8k survey).At $850–$900/mo, you’re looking at ~$10,200–$10,800 gross annually.Even after setting aside reserves, vacancy, and maintenance, that’s a strong return on a relatively small capital outlay.You keep the asset, benefit from long-term rent growth, and avoid triggering a sale.Option 2: Sell as-isNetting ~$55k gives you liquidity and zero headaches.That capital could be redeployed into another deal, pay down debt, or sit in something more passive.The trade-off is giving up a paid-off cash-flowing asset that likely continues to perform better over time than many alternatives.The questions I’d ask myself:Do I want ongoing cash flow or a lump sum right now?

When a large percentage of capital is tied up, the cost of a delayed or failed refi isn’t just higher interest — it’s missed acquisitions, forced timing, or taking suboptimal terms just to get liquidity back.I’ve been seeing more borrowers optimize for certainty and speed on the refi, then re-optimize on the next cycle once capital is freed.

Whether it’s creative financing, estate clean-outs, bad Airbnb advice, or properties bought with optimism and sold with stress — I tend to get looped in when things are messy.

Hi All,
At the end of the year, I try to look back and try to figure out what went well and poorly... any why. I'm just past a decade of real estate investing and am starting to set annual goals for myself. 
I've st...