(Usually for someone without a lot of experience, family or close friends are your best bet.)

@Wayne Brooks this is a very old one.. there was a guy in 'Colorado who had a huge internet presence and had the same deal... he got indicted and put out of business maybe someone will recall his name... when he was going big.. you would see 5 to 10 craigs list ads all saying the same thing we buy notes.. then you talk to the individual and they knew nothing about the business and read from a script..

However, if improvements were substantial then indeed a Cash out refi will be your best bet, and depending on your credit score, and cash flow you will be between 75%-80%. 

Sometimes you can talk directly to the owners.Use the Internet - Websites can show you houses that are being sold because the owners couldn't pay their bills or are in other kinds of trouble.Check Public Records - Look at official papers to see if a property owner is behind on taxes or other bills, which could mean they need to sell fast.Study the Market - Learn about how much houses in that area usually sell for and how much you could sell it for after you fix it up.Be Careful - Make sure you investigate the property fully to see if there are any legal problems or money owed on it.By using these steps together, you can find properties that might be a good investment because they need work or are being sold at a lower price than usual.Kind regards,

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

It's better than what you'll get from most attorneys and what you'll find on the internet.

I think its not a terrible idea at all and should be pretty good idea actually.I'd recommending reading this "House Hacking" book from the BP Bookstore as your best bet for next step and understanding this process!

--You can easily buy fake paystubs & W-2s off the internet, that are generated by Quickbooks, so they look 100% real.

I've heard that 87% figure tossed about all over the internet, but have found no study or basis for it, other than it's often repeated, perhaps because it suits the purpose of the people using it.Whatever the percentage failure of licensed agents, I'm sure it's quite high.

In my market, electric, gas and internet will follow the tenant, meaning when they move out, if there is an outstanding balance, those utilities can't be turned on for them at their new place until their balance is paid.