I might suggest going directly to one of these guys. 

I don't see how they could, since things happen... but again, granted there is no guarantee, these companies are claiming such high averages and they have such huge portfolios and good reputations, so it makes me wonder.

The heat renovation will be a large cap ex that will pay off wonderfully in the long-term.

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

I'm open to all suggestions regarding different cities that meet my requirements and would love to chat with some realtors who have local experience working with investors.  

I was waiting to start real estate investing until I'm back stateside but was listening to the BP podcast and heard an ad for Astro Flipping and started wondering if maybe I could wholesale while living abroad.

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 

However, if they fail to meet any of the agreed-upon payments, I request that they vacate the property.Great suggestion.

Hello all, I'm just wondering, i really struggle to find off-market deals but I am good at finding buyers/investors.

Does anyone have an suggestion for locations to purchase homes/condo that are inexpensive and have strong rental potential.