At least you'll get some free drinks out of it.

Don't forget - this Thursday at BJ's Brewhouse by Willowbrook Mall.http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/It's an excuse to get out of the house for a little bit, have a cold drink and talk real estate with other like-minded folks.Let me know if you plan on being there.

Many renters spend a lot of money drinking and partying.

The way I get paid is simple, I don't charge anything up front, I'll just do a deal or 2 with them and split 50/50 so I make money, they make money and hopefully I've built a relationship with a future full-time investor to do other/more deals with in the future....My biggest hurdle in helping a newbie out is getting them to quit being lazy, I don't know who's out there spreading lies about making millions in real estate while drinking fancy drinks with little umbrellas in them on the beach.

Don't drink the Kool Aid that is for sure!!

I am not sure anyone is drinking kool aid;) I understand you are interpreting this thread that way but I don't see any post being unrealistic. 

or do I just need to drink a little Kool-Aid and it'll all become clear?   

Having a "do and learn" attitude, combined with the handyman abilities of a new born infant, I have had many frustrating and just straight embarrassing moments:1) I didn't realize I needed to put my utilities in my name before closing, so I show up to my property with the Duke Energy guy a few days (and a few celebratory drinks) after closing to get them turned on.

I am sitting in my Condo looking down the Wakiki beach at Bob Bowlings condo.. waiting for him to invite me over for a drink

Here are the Big Six (6) reasons people abandon houses: 1) Skipped town 2) Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) 3) Incarceration 4) Severe mental and emotional problems 5) Senility (senior may be residing in nearby facility) 6) Deceased The first thing I want to do when encountering an unoccupied property is to determine if it's an "orphan" or not.