I have been in the lending space for a handful of years now and recently had the opportunity to open up my new branch in the great community of Fargo. 

I’ve realized basically every one of these signs I’ve seen is either hand written or just not professional looking at all they say “we buy houses cash” and have a number underneath . 

You can do $1.20 psi white subway, or you can find hand fired $12/psf ceramic tiles.  

You will still have a fight on your hands , the contractors will have some leverage .

We are looking to start a rental investment business and we're currently doing all of the reading and learning that we can get our hands on. 

I have come across a handful of properties that are for sale, but were sold within the last 2 or 1 year for sometimes double or triple the price. 

If you tolerate riskier investments then buying a lot or vacant land (Titled, always titled) has a bigger potential return on the other hand if no more development occurs in the area then you will be left with a more long term investment.

IOW, there is a little more hands-on involvement with an investment property that is intrinsic to performing your due-diligence.

You know that the life cycle of a company is in decline when they basically wash their hands of anything and everything, have zero sense of any reasonableness, nor the slightest interest in helping their “partners”.At this point, it’s all just a money grab. 

The seller wants to do a private sale(yes I have an inspector and contractor on hand).