Coupled with the custodian fees, the returns I could generate wouldn't be worth the headache.Prosper offers to pay all custodian fees if I invest it there, and because it takes little work, along with the ability to get descent returns, I decided to invest there.See here for lender return distribution: http://www.ericscc.com/stats/lender-return-distributionAs far as getting around usury laws, I'm not qualified to really have an opinion, but you can read about it here: http://www.prosper.com/legal/compliance/I completely agree that I can get less risky investments in real estate or even doing hard money, however, with the low amount of money that is in my IRA, its simply not worth my while to spend too much time or effort trying to deploy $5K.In a few years, after some more contributions, I may have a different attitude about it though.

Look at the posts and examine what the cash flows are on whatever kind of property you decide is right for you.

Your title examination done prior to the auction is supposed to reveal all of this to you.

I do agree however that looking at stats Atlanta is a great option.

Some of this has been mentioned, it's easier for me to list some of the real estate issues;Draft, review and have contracts and disclosures excutedDraft notes and deeds requiredEscrow funds and make disbursementsIf they are title agents as well, they can issue title insuranceDo title examinations and issue a title opinionClose the transaction and do the filings neededSet up an escrow account and oversee paymentsAct as the Trustee on the deed of trustHandle notices of default and secure collateral in foreclosureRepresent you as a creditor in bankruptcy mattersReview construction contracts and represent you in disputesRepresent you in Tenant disputes and evictionsObtain judgments and provide collection servicesRepresent you in sale contract and disclosure disputesRepresent you in obtaining compliance or relieved from code violationsBest of all, they can keep you out of trouble!

Disassemble the suspect valve and visually examine the brass seat and the rubber washer; the brass seat might already be developing pits that result in water getting through, or the washer might already have a rut in it from where it mates with the seat.

Pretty scary stats!

However, after the 2008 debacle I've been pretty busy just trying to hold on to what I have and have been fairly successful at doing so up to this pointWith the economy clearly on the upswing now though I've been feeling the need to re-examine how I'm holding the properties I have now, as well as how I can acquire some more properties.

Hi @Jay Hinrichs - we update the foreclosure stats (non-judicial only) for every state, county, city and zip we cover each month here: http://trends.propertyradar.com.

"We encourage you to look at the crime stats" vs.