Though I'd like to settle down back in those parts so maybe it won't be long distance forever.

I settled on a price which was good but at the top of what I considered a "deal" (only by a few thousand dollars).

If you are interested in multifamily, I am sure that the state you plan to settle in has an affiliate chapter of the National Apartment Association. 

She seems like she wont budge off her numbers but I'm not gonna settle on a deal either.

I've settled on PA area as I'll one if the markets and am looking for two more.

Of course we'd have to settle the back taxes but what is the best course (ie, what documents do I need from each party) to make any attorney work easier?

I can't believe we were trying to be so nice and bend backwards for them and pretty much almost settled for "nothing".

My words of advice, be patient and don't settle, keep educating and go outside your comfort zone to learn what you don't want to but what you need to.

When the time comes and I want to settle down, would like the option to do this through real estate so I am trying to build a portfolio where I would like to end up.To close, I want to thank all members for sharing there knowledge and being role models to look up to and strive to be.Sincerely,Emmett Gorman  

For example if your duplex (that you own) is worth $150K at most, given recent comps, then I would think it's fair to ask $225K (I assume builder will talk you down) and you do a private sale (avoid realtors costs) and perhaps settle at a $200K sales price.