Most MLS systems will allow you to run a report and see what % of list price are deals actually selling for..

Actually fairly common, depending on what you're looking for property wise going forward. 

You can secure the property with a promissory note drafted by a lawyer or a title company, but keep in mind that “taking back the property with the note” as it is often pitched by gurus is not always actually that simple.

Hopefully as the rates and the housing market loosens so will some of these guidelines in the HML programs. from talking to hard money funds especially those who operate in more than 10 states, and 5 years of experience with underwriting teams, I'd actually disagree and say new construction is preferred to rehab due to experience level to enter the market. there's BP lenders that will do 15% LTC with 1-2 new build experience.

Mail campaigns targeting older neighborhoodsConnect with actual Austinites: This has been incredibly useful for me.

The actual penalty varies but it's often a step down or if a 5 year prepayment penalty term, it will be 5% of the original or unpaid mortgage balance if refinanced or sold in the first year, then 4% in the second year and then on down (the exact penalty varies which is why I mention both the original and unpaid mortgage balance.

I've heard of Monday but haven't actually talked to anyone who's used it.

Here's a framework I’ve used with clients and in my own deals:Understand Your Total Investment:Break down your actual contributions: $40,000 from cash, $50,000 from the 401k loan, and any additional transaction costs.

I like storage units, that's actually a good idea I didn't think about at first. 

I’ve actually had a number of people exercise their option and get a loan and buy the house.