wheatie, I was under the impression that there are software out there that tapes into MLS and other data bases and gives you a quick down and dirty estimation of the value of the property that you are looking for.

Scott Scheel mentions that for bigger properties it is tough to get a good deal in markets that are already showing good indications of future growth (either already in the process of growing, or showing the "obvious" increases in population/job growth) He says the best deals are frequently found in weak or even declining markets where you have much better leverage with sellers.This is a risky proposition because real estate trends seem to last quite a while, but if timed correctly an investor can do much better than average by getting in early before the rest of the herd does.Do you guys have any ideas of how to anticipate a potential turnaround area before the census data refects it (IMO this data is a beacon to RE investors) I have a couple ideas I think may be worth looking into:-Projected inflow of large, new employer-New transportation artery-Unaccounted change (in census data) of demographics (undesirables moving out, nicer crowd moving in)-Perhaps a well structured conversation with someone at the economic planning department to find out how close to fruition some upcoming changes are taking place.

A really good site for the beginner and pro alike.http://www.optionstrategist.com/For Historical volatility data, McMillan, same as "Options as a Strategic Investment" fame, has a web site where you can down load them for free.You can consistently make money with options if you study first and fully understand your risk, otherwise you can lose your money so fast you will scratch your head wondering what just happened.Most option traders lose as they do not have the patience to fully learn or to follow the models, and instead of following a well-designed trading scheme, react to the stress of their own mishedged risk profiles.

Less than 50 Units 35% Can you supply data that supports that number?

BACKUP for my data.The premium version will also lock the phone remotely and wipe all the data if I want, in case it is stolen and can't be found in time.I have no affiliation with Lookout, but love the app and thought I'd share.

Here is a quick note on wholesale rates:Wholesale RatesHere is a primer if you are really interested:Description of Wholesale Mortgage Price Data

Lots of companies have been touting that investors are taking over the market (many of whom have an agenda, of course), but no one seems to have data from past years of how many investors there were in years past.Before making statements about how much more impact investors have today, the reporters and commentators out there need to get solid evidence and make conclusions based on real data.Certainly it is in my interest to make claims like there are more investors today than ever before, but since I have absolutely nothing to base that on, I'd never make such a statement.

They submit the offer to the bank w/ their complied data showing the progressive reduction in price.

Have your agent send you the raw data for the neighborhood and determine your own comps.- If necessary, hire an independent appraiser to give you an idea of the area comps and also what you could likely get the property appraised for after rehab -- there's nothing worse than getting a property fixed up, putting it on the market, finding a willing buyer, and then finding out it won't appraise for the offer price.- In terms of materials prices, go spend an afternoon in Home Depot, and get a feel for how much things cost -- everything from lights to faucets, to sheetrock to bathtubs to doors to windows.

As an agent, you have access to the data you need to do this correctly.