In my business for example we texted about 35k people last month and got 163 leads and about 3 contracts out of that.What does that work out to "cost per contract"?

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

We needed to build more there but the cost to build has doubled and the return is t sufficient.

I've done this on one house in order to cut costs - since then, I've added a meter with the utility company but it's a good workaround for the short term. 

Lastly funding developer who has 3 subdivisions going in WA DC market. these are big time deals and with our funds for the soft costs  500 k to 1 mil on each project my client is going to make  sit down  but probably over 10 million net  life changing money and well we will do good too !!

Don't know how much renovations will really cost, again, either PM or GC conversations.  

Let's say at 6% over 30Yrs will be about $960 per month(Principle/Interest) with the remaining  interest only portion $40K costing roughly $200 per month. $1500- $960 + $200 IS $340Cash in your pocket after everything roughly $1500-$1160-$340 which is not bad for a 100% financed deal(INFINITE RETURNS)Now, If you ran this analysis on a 1% deal as @Nicholas L. mentioned you will undoubtably end up in the red each month.All the best!!!

The forms are online, and it costs $100 per filing. 

It did not cost me $0.01.  

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.