shawn,you know, that's the best way to learn... you can read and learn so much on forums and from books. you have to try it out on your own to really know what to expect.the house looks great. the pictures are really good too and the before and aftre transformation will be tremendous. good luck and keep us updated.btw, how did you get the contractors to sign a "deadline with penalties" contract?

The home does have a full basement with no leaks or cracks that should add some tremendous value, but I'm having issues overcoming the flat roof.

Has the area deteriorated tremendously?

If things go badly (like they often do), it could put a tremendous strain on your marriage.

Real estate investors are hungry for cash and private lenders are making tremendous yields on their cash right now.By the way, I have done apartment investing also (I'm part owner of a 133-unit apartment complex) and right now, my money is working harder in private lending than in my apartment complex.

I live in an area with tremendous growth potential but the properties I seek seem to be diamonds in the rough.

But regardless of the answer .. you will find a tremendous amount of information and encouragement here on BP.

I am a dentist here in Louisville getting into real estate investment and Mya has helped me tremendously!

The University Circle area contains a tremendous rental market--we have two universities, three colleges, and a huge high-tech industry leading the state's job growth.I don't know the west side because I don't invest there.

One thing that helped tremendously was the Hometime series.