It is trending toward the Dave Ramsey methodology.

They also are confident in making lower offer and truly can explain the methodology behind the offers to listing agents to help push the needle.

Otherwise, why do something like this that is so easy to see is wrong.Yeah, yeah, yeah, we still gots our creative screening methodologies to fall back on.

I  can give yu some good pointers though PMGood Luck"@Jason - I was intrigued by your response because my partner and I was literally talking about the very same topic today (absentee mailings).Part of our discussion was mailing to "owner occupied" properties with equity.Obviously there are some minor disadvantages of course such as "waiting for them to move (longer close times)", etc but I agree with your methodology of "thinking outside the box".I'm seriously interested in what you are "doing different" in terms of mailing parameters for these "owner occupied" properties.I don't expect you to "give anything away" nor am I expecting any handouts but my partner and I have dissected this subject over and over and it would be nice to have some insight from someone who is actually having success with these "owner occupied" lists.I'm local here to the SF Bay Area as well and I can't even begin to tell you how many calls I get from people who complain about receiving so many different inquiries from others trying to "buy their house".Any additional insight you can provide on the forum or via PM would be GREATLY appreciated..Jimmy

Marie Poe Thanks for your feedback.I feel like condos are like any other real estate investment - as an investor, you have to become an expert in that category so you understand what to look for when you are reviewing the deal and you develop a methodology that is predictable and repeatable.

The goal right now is to learn the fundamentals, understand valuation methodology and then jump right into the deep end and navigate my way around. 

I have used it personally over and over again.One of the best books to get you started is this one:http://www.amazon.com/Turned-Three-Million-Estate-...It includes a practical, step-buy-step methodology you used to pyramid your money and build long-term wealth. 

I love the big goals since I believe in the same methodology.

The latter link looks like it might be specified to non-profits, government entities, or those employed as an EMT, firefighter, law enforcement officer, or teacher.I am from NNJ, so trying to find some potentially creative methodologies for finding deals!

Only 5 things you could do in my view (or combination of):Refine your screening methodology to select better tenants in the future.