For example how we communicate and that we want to know about any issues with the house.

However, I am in constant communication with banks and in this environment I more often hear banks take the position of we want to see a depository relationship of XYZ percent of the loan amount in order for us to lend you real estate funds rather than take the position of offering better terms than other borrowers because of your depository relationship.  

Real estate is a difficult to implement, but simple to understand business.

For me it's that simple but I'm sure folks with more properties or properties in different areas have better systems than I do!

Even with good communications between first and second .. first many times just wont answer ..

For example, on what I thought was a relatively simple project in a bathroom reno which was fully gutted down to the studs already, I had more than one quote for over $7k to run pex supply lines and rough in a shower drain and toilet drain off of an existing main stack, all of which ended up costing me about $200 in pex lines, PVC fittings, and sawzall blades.If you need any hardwood flooring repaired, patched, or refinished, you can't beat Dave's Hardwood Flooring out of Blaine - $3k spent with them fully brought one of my duplex unit's original 100+ year old maple floors back to life.If you're putting in any stone counters in your kitchens or for bathroom vanities, Twin City Discount Granite have been awesome to work with, and consistently have the best pricing I've found in the area on fully installed granite and quartz.I also have a great drywall guy, as well as a really good carpet install guy - feel free to DM me if you want either of their contact info!

Quote from @Melanie Baldridge: It's really simple: increase earnings, reduce expenses, save, invest, and wait. 

A simple 5% return per year gets you $50k/year...and you still have the $1M to adjust to inflation by reinvesting into different vehicles along the way.Focusing on taking the long term returns ($$$/year) can be a better choice, but you have to look at the long term impact with all your options, compare them, and then make a choice.Do you think they teach that in school now? 

a simple drive by would have probably shown the property was in the HOOD..

Only person still communicating with me is the original agent.