Tim, I'm 100% with you on Alabama (or Indiana, or Pennsylvania etc) if you're looking for good, affordable cash flowing property, those are the places to look into and if you remember the never-ending debate of appreciation vs. cash flow, I always leaned in the direction of cash flow. but to be honest, the best is to strike a balance and I think Rich would agree, that if you can combine both (Middle class 3/2 in desirable area with good school and plenty of employment), it is the way to go.Rich, I agree with the fundamental rule (Which is by the way Warren Buffet's rule of the stock market as well) When everybody tries to get out - get in and vise versa.Yes, California is capricious when it come to real estate (and celebrities) but the fundamentals always come back.

Do not try to push this information on them, but strike up casual conversation and tell them you were asked to give this to them.

If a seller strikes out such a contingency on a counteroffer, you know you have an issue.

Use whatever you are using to pay your rent now, and rent out a room to a roommate, and use those funds to make the payments on the credit card.I don't mean this as an insult, because you strike me as an outside-the-box thinker, and smart.

I have not personally gone this route, but have been told by a few big wig investors that they have some attorneys who handle the foreclosure process for the banks and that they can help to get the investors offer into the right person handling that property to strike a deal BEFORE it is assigned to an agent/broker.

I do hope to strike a balance between real estate, and cash in the high yield MMSA.Jim Winn: What a great idea about building your own house!

Then, if you find a buyer, get the seller to either sign a regular option or get them to strike out the part of the agreement that allows them to cancel the agreement.

But in these times, similar to the real depression of the 30's, the family homestead is a needed place for those family members who strike out on their own and for any reason have the need to return.

I started REI beginning of this year and have definitely had to work with my girlfriend (we live together) to strike the proper balance.

No tenant buyer would want to exercise an option with a strike price higher than the FMV.But let's address this:Originally posted by Rob Griswold:I live in the Midwest and it seems there are a ton of people who WANT a rent-to-own situation.