Couple that with insurance rates and boards it could be more of a headache in the future. 

Every day for weeksI'm not recommending this for anyone, but I would stop at obviously abandoned properties that had potential and wander around, looking in windows and sometimes going into the house - through an 'unlocked' rear door of course :-)Sometimes the windows are boarded up and you cannot get a view of the inside....then it's just your knowledge and your gut once again.Go to the County and look up the owner....send them a nice letter....even make a dollar offer if you feel so inclined. 1 in 10 might respond.This is the way to find deals with a lot of equity potential IMHO. 

Quote from the article: "Texas cases don’t necessarily have a good and distinct and succinct definition of ‘squatter,’” said Adams. “They kind of tend to use the term on the assumption that everybody already knew what...

Do you just jump on board by faith? 

Hi Dar, ask for minutes for the past 12 months from the management/board and request the last fire inspection report.

Rent Board rules. 

The numbers are pretty accurate across the board, but no skip tracer will be 100% perfect.

Do they need to be registered with a local real estate board? 

Plus with an HOA you will likely have retired board members who have nothing better to do but make sure everyone is complying with their rules.

So, I didn't really give them any money, but I did help their money grow pretty effectively and I'm giving them the gift of free room and board through college as mentioned.This has always been my plan for my children and I've taken a lot of guff for it over the years.