When we did it we discovered a few additional things that needed to be fixed that would have posed a huge issue if not corrected in the future.

If you network in the neighborhoods, you usually find some retired folks that still live there, and like to be your secret eyes in the neighborhood.

I've since discovered BP and I am currently obsessed with the idea of investing in real estate.

However most successful investors are secretive about their skills and how they do it.

One page led to another which led to another which led me to the BP website and then I discovered Brandon & Josh's podcasts which then led to the forum and here I am.I have always had a basic goal of owning a beach condo/house and just renting it out when I didn't use it to help pay for it.

@John Thedford  love your idea and I think it would be a great benefit to the community at large..the amount of scammers out there is off the charts.. due diligence pump and dump folks.. folks charging to get their super secret list of private investors.. etc etc.

Before I start I just want make sure I thank the creators BiggerPockets, I love your podcast and that is how I discovered the website, so please keep up the great work!

You could lower rent to fill a vacancy only to discover it is someone that suddenly can't pay rent (lower quality tenant).  

You got to be bigger than your problems- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.

You can usually ballpark a starting point for your offer by assuming 50% expenses as long as you have a rent roll, and then re-negotiate as you move through your negotiations and discover more about the property's physical condition and financial performance.