crazy video... http://youtu.be/UbB70gT227sEntering an unlocked building like this is still a crime.

Always great to buy under valued and later refi to unlock usable equity from the bank...

I have done exactly this, but only after leaving the job(s) and unlocking my 401(k).

But with something like that you can't guarantee the potential tenant isn't going to leave doors/windows unlocked, lights/AC on, etc.

After repeated attempts to gain her cooperation to drop off the deadbolt key, but getting excuses from her on getting the deadbolt key, and yet having her text that she was out on the 21st, my maint crew gained access Oct 24th through an unlocked window, and changed the locks.

It could depend on what exactly you plan on having your friend do, but in California you generally need a real estate broker's license to engage in property management (which includes leasing a rental unit), or you must be an employee of the broker and under the supervision of the broker.One of the exceptions to this law is if you are the owner of the property then you may manage your property yourself without any special license.The reason I said it could depend on what exactly you are having your friend do is because one could argue that your friend likely wouldn't need to be licensed if they're just unlocking the door for someone to take a look inside the property because you're too busy to go there and unlock the door yourself.

If it is just 5 units...I would consider combining two of the units into 1 to create a 4 unit building, thus unlocking some value.

The front door has two fence gates with houses to the left and right of them and if the gates were unlocked it would access the main street.

When I studied that topic, perhaps obsessively, it unlocked a tremendous number of opportunities that I previously missed.

When I first started in Ohio I had my Realtor call the MLS and he said they unlocked a whole bunch of searches and said they don't let everyone do it.The only reason I do zips to start is when I go into a new market it helps me group where all the cash solds are.