The trick is to only gamble when you're the house ... and not the poor sucker on the slot machine. 

So here comes the out of state trying to hire a contractor.. how do they do it how do they compete whoever has time slots right now in the trades and is not busy in todays market..???? 

````````````````The upfront agreementIn order for the upfront agreement to work, you need to frame it as a very fair, 2 way business agreement.Here is a possible exchange...After the walk through, you're sitting at the kitchen table, looking at both mom and dad the sellers.I fold my hands and I looked very solemn, I try to give them is kind of an expression is possible, as sincere as possible, I have my legal pad, a pen, and a blank letter of intent in front of me.I also have a folder of comps and rental information on the subject property.So here's the upfront agreement...Investor: "So Bob and Susan thanks for the walk through, I just wanted to talk about how I'd like to see our business relationship work.

I thought it could be a good idea to pay off one of my early small loans (or 1031 exchange etc) to free up a loan slot and find a fat expensive property to take its place.

He asked about seeing it at 10:00am, but I told him I already had a number of people coming, and it's better after 1:00PM as I didn't make any appointments for the time slot.

The format of offering 2-3 tracks at each time slot is common in conferences and works well.

To operate under this premise, as a real estate investor, is to think the odds at a slot machine are in your favor.

Usually in an early evening time slot and accompanied by drinks.

@Cassandra Boyett   I like the idea ( if you can do it and it worked for you and family) of buying a 4 plex with one of your loan slots as owner occ... live there for a period of time then move on.. leaving the 4 plex as a rental.. great cash flow close to home so you can keep an eye on it..

I don't recall any Sat. time slots, but maybe I wasn't paying attn.Originally posted by @Tami Lumpkins :A few questions - I think I'm near the finish line....