Hi,
I've been reading this site for a couple of weeks and wish I had been motivated enough to find it years ago.....but what can you do. Anyways, I think this site is fantastic. I just recently moved back to Ontario a...

In my own limited contractor experience, I always figured my time and materials as accurately as possible and then factored a 10% profit margin on top of that.I would think that any software would have to somehow be locally calibrated, because material and labor cost can vary dramatically from region to region.

Also, foreclosures in the Seattle Area are difficult to come by for the following reasons:a) Seattle has a robust economyb) Highly knowledgeable homeowner basec) market flooded with savvy investorsNot to say that distressed properties cannot be located in this region, but you have to do your due diligence; require lots of research.Based on the info you provided, it sounds like you have the necessary funds to cover appraisal fees, order title reports, and cover additional loan fees, however, you just need to find a hard money lender that can fund your project.

If you don't have any local ones, then I would search out regional or nationwide ones and start the application process.

He did this while working as a regional airline pilot, so he wouldn't of been making more than $35k/yr.

Well I think first off I'd have to say $125 a foot for a rehab in this region is extremely high, even for higher end remodeling.

Yard and Regional Signage: All statistics indicate that a majority of new homebuyers find properties by way of the for sale sign.

I'm dealing with a regional bank and the mortgage banker encouraged me to look at portfolio loans.

I'm an experienced RE investor in AZ and have only invested in my region thus far.

So you could buy on the equity markets a 'put' (option to sell the investment at a net gain, if the market turns down) or a future (locked-in price for the home market index in your metro region) for 9 nine out to protect much of the downside, like insurance.It looks straightforward enough to buy options "insurance" - some volatility like stocks but well within the realm of rational investing - not a gimmick.