Never had to deal w/ the volume.

The above are generalizations and don't work all the time but I buy enough volume that it averages out pretty well.

So I definitely see the pace and volume of offers pick up for me.So an update on what has happened since my initial post.

That speak volume for who he is.

That puts the business in the danger zone and turns off a potential buyer knowing rent is fixing to skyrocket.Instead you could do something like a base rent of XX (your friends level) and then for every sale above XX in volume in each month you get landlord bonus rent.

We were somewhat immune to the downturn as compared to other markets.On a more micro level, I look for things like:- Strong school systems - Big box stores moving to the area- Residential development in the area- Ratio/ demand for housing- Population growth- Job projections- Foreclosure/ Short sale inventory- Steady increase in median home sale prices- High volume of Hard Money Lending :)Just to name a few

Nor do I want to take or manage that sort of call volume. 

More full time staff will create the need for volume, and that will come from networking.

That speaks volumes. 

It does appear that Zillow only wants light rehabs and not major projects.From an interview with Zillow's CEO:"The company says it is going for sales volume over making a bundle on each and every sale.