I can't imagine the nerve people have to go and steal such an item.

:-)   In terms of particular areas that often "light up" as bad areas but are worth examining, I'd probably list Brewerytown, Port Richmond, Kensington, Grays Ferry, Point Breeze, Kingsessing, and NW Philly.  

I'm learning about contract assignments but not sure how this can work with the "original parties...remain obligated hereunder" clause.Also, Section 30, on Defaults, states that a defaulting Buyer may be liable for actual damages, and "will immediately pay the costs incurred for the title examination, Appraisal, survey, and the Broker's Fee in full"Arghhhhhh!!!!!

It is nerve-racking and overwhelming trying to vet deals and decide where to even start looking. 

Try to plan a week vacation so you really have time to examine the city, as you'll have a lot to do while you're in town.

The first day was questionable but on the second day he spent 6 hours and $20 worth of materials to caulk 10 feet of cracked cement while using "my tools" then had the nerve to stick me with $100 bill for a hard days worth of work.

It's still nerve racking hoping you make the Right decisions.

Dose anyone have any tips on studying the real estate exam in Michigan I am completely lost.

The credentials of the POF letter will be examined, or at lease I sure would.A POF from Fidelity or some Credit Union would be accepted at face value, while some HML unknown to me would be vetted as much as I would for a tenant rental application, ie: what we see may not be what we get.

Then I spoke to some local residents/realtors and examined some stats on zillow for recent sales, and their prior sales - and the market has stayed flat, or even declined while the rest of the country has enjoyed the recovery last 4 years.I have some rentals in California, and while I dont expect CA type appreciation, the flat to negative trends seemed worrying, and indeed puzzling given the beauty I find in the area, the high quality of construction, and the solid employment fundamentals.Any opinions on why prices are falling?