Another gaping hole is the assumption that all bidders/bidding will be done by rational individuals.

,I agree that rationalizing the airfare as part of education costs makes sense. :) I'm leaning toward flying out there to witness the inspection.Luis A.Thanks for the comments in regard to the radon and mold inspections.

Marie Poe has the most rational approach, and mine would be very similar.Honestly, it sounds like you are a bit intimidated.

You personally will have to do you own research on prices and rents to find a target area (price/rent ration low enough to be profitable, strong rental demand, deals available.)

If you lose emotional control all rationality goes out the window.I would definitely work with someone else if this is how your sale is going so far.

I could see rational reasons for doing it either way depending on the nature of the investments and personal liquidity situation.For example, if you were pulling a good wage and had savings you could make up for hiccups/shorfalls, so you may want the lower rate even with the bigger payment (your return would be greater).

Happy New Year all, I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone - when you get a response from a realtor that the price I'm thinking about is not rational enough times, one begins to think it's me that's crazy and not the seller (or their even wackier realtor).

Oh how I've missed the presence of our rational Tim W.

I'm wondering if they're rationing the land as part of their business model or if it would actually be more profitable for them to sell the land at a profit now instead of at a higher price point later.

Or perhaps, there is a kernel of potential there as yet unrealized by your rational mind but perceived by your intuition.