I love the strategy of matching REO's with Lease Purchase...one of the best combined strategies for our current market conditions.I have recently wrote a few things on the lease option at my blog because the strategy is working so well right now!

Houses prices have fallen, and this, if it happens, would reduce loan balances to better match the values.

If she is sending you properties that don't even match two of your criteria, she is really not interested in helping you.In terms of offers 20% below asking.

The idea is to find tenant-buyers, match them with a property from MLS (there will be listing agents involved who we will have to work with), find out what the seller will accept for option money, charge the tenant buyer more than what the seller wants, have the TB write the check out to our LLC, then turn around and write the check out to the seller for the option money they requested.

Okay, not a problem, let me know when my offer matches your expectations.

Would new Formica laminate over the old counter tops with a matching backsplash do the trick?

Should I just go after foreclosures, expired listings and other motivated situations in my hot market or should I look into cooler markets elsewhere (within 90 miles of my home, where rehabs are still Listed on the MLS close to 70% LTV, or better)Now, another issue in hot markets is that the rents don’t match the mortgage payments, unless you go with the 1-5 year balloon, interest only mortgage, and even then, your cashflow is minimal (100-200/mo), so if a tenant trashes your home, you’ll be hurting pretty bad.On the other hand, the cooler markets have rents that exceed the mortgage payment (which baffles me, as I think why would anyone rent if they can own for less?).

2 % isn't keeping up w/inflation)IRA's..3.5% STILL < REAL inflation #'s(I don't need Greenspan 2 tell me stuff is costing more...I SPEND that $$ he's talking about)Keough accounts, same as IRA's401K's a hair better, & w/matching employer funds, pretty decent...maybe 7%Stock Market....sky's the limit, right?

I'm new and I have my little secrects, but i'm sure my little secrects are no match for others secrects.

I've learned about some great resources, and in doing so, I thought I'd share:HurricaneHousing.org is a web site that helps match storm victims with vacancies, rehabs in progress & other availablilties.Tons of Resources - Craigslist