Obviously, there are many factors involved in this and it is difficult to distinguish exactly which repairs increased value by however much.

This is why I am so against leveraging oneself to the hilt, taking out all equity to buy another property, etc. 

@Renita BoreeAfter our latest round with schools and doctors, I'm beginning to think every sensitive child with a bit of spirit in North America is labelled to have ADD or Aspergers these days.Up here "service animals" - which are predominately dogs - are to be trained and to have a temperament certification which distinguishes them from a "companion animal". 

It's definitely an unfortunate circumstance to find oneself in.

I know that it is a solid city, but I can't personally distinguish what neighborhoods are good and bad. 

What really appeals to me about becoming an investor is the flexibility it offers and the social aspect of interacting with others whilst working and providing income for oneself.

I haven’t tried any of the more costly and curiosity peaking items like a branded pen (refrigerator magnet – whatever) in an envelope.I set up numerous criteria prior to downloading lists and  with EXCEL focus/target my marketing (not necessarily in prioritizing sort/elimination order): Home with median price range (~+/- 1 stdev),DOM (MT & LMT)evaluate %equity (much of the data sketchy for 2nd liens)evaluate $/sqft (most data sketchy sqft)Zestimate,Target "B" areas,weighting and distinguishing between key words in remarks for distinguishing between motivated buyers in distressed or good/ARV properties,days to auction (don't even try if < 10 days - might consider working with someone that has expereice in solving that issue expediently),eliminate ARM mortgageseliminate banking institutionsremoving returned mail from lists ...

I think that there is a fine line between giving up and being pragmatic.I think that you did an amazing job of distinguishing both~ You still had the persistent desire to become a successful RE entrepreneur (and congratulations on that :}), but you were pragmatic in realizing that the rule of thumb (Not hard and fast!)

That's the only way you'll be able to distinguish a great deal from a turkey.

@Hilary Catton I thought of one more thing:Is there any way we can identify other people on Bigger Pockets who have connected with us and distinguish them from those who have not, or others with pending requests?