I placed them within dated folders so people don't have to search for what date the appraisals where done.

When the rent rates stabilize, I suspect they'll bring it back.I wouldn't try it in a location like Portland, but 99% of the country would be fine with a policy like this as long as it is disclosed and applied equally.

It would depend on your income, location and price of the home. 

To find a pre-foreclosure home, buyers can search popular websites that pick up feeds from an aggregator or they can pay for the feed.

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

It could, but you could screen this location with PriceLabs.co as they use both airbnb and hotel rates to create revenue forecasts.

My ideal location is in the middle so I'm away from severe flood risk, but still 15-20 mins tops to downtown or the beach.  

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Low or no down, seller financing and low or no interest with a balloon payment later is the holy grail (location, building condition, market also matter but it sounds like you have all that).

I would search around so you know what you need to buy out your partner.