Broker price opinions on owner financed notes

[Audrey C.]

I am just starting to invest in owner finance "small" notes, priced at $50K and less.  Since these notes are mostly out of TX where I live, what is the best way to perform "due diligence?"

I receive a list of notes from a reliable broker.  This is what I normally do:

1. Pick a note or two, that has a high yield first, then working backwards to see the loan-to-value ratio, then the actual discount, and then the terms (10,15,20, or 30 years).

2.  Then, after receiving more info from the broker, I research the value of the property on Zillow, Homes.com, Realtor.com.

3.  I try the local county appraisal district website also for an appraised value but sometimes the property address is just not listed.

4.  Listen to the broker giving me a background of why the owner wants to sell, if there is one.

I have contacted local realtors for a "drive by" to check the condition of the property but most told me it is against their brokers' rules, to receive a small check from me (about $75) for their effort.  Can the broker provide a BPO (broker's price opinion) legally?  Has this ever been done?  I really do not want to hire someone to do a full blown appraisal?

Can a seasoned notes investor/s please help?  Much thanks.

[Bob E.]

If you want a local broker to do a BPO try trinityonline.com/ContactUs.html

A BPO will run you $100. You can also try contacting an REO agent, they will usually do BPO's for $60-75. http://www.reoindustrydirectory.com/