I also will help my friends and family by re-embursing them with the mandatory 6% realtor fee's, which brings me to my next question; could I advertise myself as an agent with my slogan being " I will give you $500 cash if you let me help you" I don't see any agents that do that, and I wouldn't care giving others part of my commission, so they could get money and I could also get money but most importantly the experience.although sheet metal workers in my area make an average of $90k a year, it is just hard on the body/lots of hours and would love to try perusing real estate.

I am sure the text for what one can and cannot do from the IRS and any other governing bodies is long and difficult to totally understand and may be open to interpretation - I know many things with the IRS are.  

Hello BP,Can anyone recommend a commercial (fixer upper) loan/ lender in the San Jose area? 

Indy could be a bit tricky to find fixer-uppers just because investors have saturated the market for so many years now that I'd imagine most of the fixer-uppers have been snagged by the turnkey companies, at a minimum. 

Full re-pipe and re-wire, full sheetrock downstairs (ceilings too), upstairs just new texture, all doors replaced, all cabinets replaced (upper and lower), all new flooring (enigineered wood, tile and carpet upstairs), etc. 

Most people don't start buying their first houses until they are mid to upper 20's so you won't get that benefit for some years.

Though, if either of the current tenants moves out, I may go back down to the original return (this property is at the upper level of the market, and new builds are still coming on.)Both of these properties were bought with 25% down, 30yr conforming.Figure out what you want (city, type of property, approximate purchase price, price/rent ratio, age, level of acceptable deferred maintenance, etc.) and tell the agent(s).

Make it clear that their failure to perform inspections enabled the problem to worsen and they are therefore liable.If they refuse to pony up, you can file a complaint with their Broker and then the real estate commission or whatever your governing body is for California.

Always check for mold specifically in upper corners of rooms and bathrooms.

get an FHA 3.5% down " an expert is some one who can see past the obvious path and helpIf you are going to open market , try to get referrals from your agent , contractor or any body who is in real estate business - Also keep in mind  that there are lot of lenders/brokers who change the terms at the last moment , so even if you hear what you want to hear initially - make sure you have references and a solid backup