How much depends on what you do for a living.

Pilot a unit or two with this renovation spec and see how much demand you get from QUALIFIED applicants.  

And, depending on where your properties are in Portland, the value might be near its peak—selling while they’re in top condition could be a smart move.Ultimately, it comes down to what will give you the most peace of mind and the most flexibility for the future.

(Usually you cannot use prior employer history until you have been at your new job for 6 to 12 months, depending on the underwriter to show that you are maintaining the same level of bonus/overtime/commission income that you had at your prior employer).

With your budget, depending on where you are working, I'd consider Silver Spring or Hyattsville  

Second, success often depends on creativity, persistence, and a willingness to negotiate.

The advice is downright bad; not applicable to the average Billy & Barbara, some signs of bragging among other concerns.

Also, you don’t need a business license just to look at properties, but if you buy a bigger property, like a multi-family unit, you might need a certificate of occupancy, depending on the local rules.For business trips, most expenses can be deductible, but if it’s part personal and part business, you can only deduct the business portion.

Hi, pre foreclosure in all of its permutations, before the bank sends Notice of Default (NOD) or efter which is state even county dependant but often starts a 4 week clock till the trustee auction are the 2nd most difficult deal scenario and IMHO only experienced investors should bother, the 1st most difficult deal scenario are bidding at the court house steps on lord only knows what is being auctioned off sometimes even 2nd mortgages, you need to do so much home work to attempt to reduce your risk at the court house steps...Pre foreclosure no one talks about these issues, always about the nice sounding stuff like "motivated seller" get a good deal etc etc both are usually not the case.- 95% of folks in pre or post NOD want to stay in their house, keep their house inspite of them 100% will loose the house at the auction. 

Zillow has an easy application for them to fill out. it come back with a credit score and background info.