@Denise Evans This thread has been enlightening.

Please do enlighten us Tim....that is...if you can without revealing facts from cases in process.I don't see how using perfectly valid 2nd liens to add security interest to private loans could be construed as unethical.

Regardless of whether or not we heighten the ceiling, we are going to finish the basement; however, we'd much prefer if we could make it at least around 7' so that we can add that additional bath.The current estimates we've gotten for the basement were in the 40k range, which I know is absurd.

This is very interesting and enlightening to a newbie investing in class C properties.

I know that off market deals are my best bet but am hoping that someone can enlighten me on strategies for finding the deals and the process of buying a property without an agent like a step by step checklist of everything that I would need to do.

@Brad B.Please enlighten me about the "a little education and networking" you mentioned. 

I'm not arguing, I'm asking for you to enlighten me.Originally posted by @J Scott:One thing to think about in your lending business:  You might want to consider starting to lend on more buy-and-hold properties and lend on fewer flips. 

This should be enlightening. 

If you see the stupidest purchase in the history below right before a major recession and know how to ever prevent it, please enlighten me ( and possibly some others like me). 

I would love to hear more about the process, feel free to PM me if you have any more info that could enlighten me and provide me with more knowledge!!!