I would suggest research areas in Alabama that you'd like to invest in. 

I stopped paying the 1%+ and my principal finally started to decrease, significantly.My suggestion is that you ask brokers for recommendations that are in the area where you are purchasing your property and keep calling banks and save thousands of dollars you can use to invest for your next purchase.Two things:  Your broker wasn't getting rich on a 1% commission and the 1% you paid to your broker didn't keep your principal from decreasing; it was probably the cash out he got you (and at a higher LTV than the bank would lend you I might add).Banks and brokers each have a place in the lending arena.Stephanie 

It's crazy to think some RE agents are suggesting owners to put their houses up cause fed funds reduced, they completely misunderstand but I let the market do what it does-- market.

Any suggestions I should consider before engaging them?

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

What are your suggestions & strategies for making it work, so that it isn’t costing me money in the short term & long term???

I suggest interviewing teams of realtors, contractors, lenders, and property managers in each market.

Maybe you like the risk, but good and great investors don't try stuff like you suggest.

For more suggestions, try a google search.BatchSkipTracing

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