The real appeal for these properties is that when the market recovers, and it is going to recover, the potential for double digit returns is very high.

I bring this up because I like the idea of running my own firm some day, but the idea of running the finances, marketing and business part of it are not nearly appealing to me as just being the one who makes the final engineering decisions.

There are many opportunties out there, you just might have to start in an area that's not as appealing and work your way up to rentals in better areas.

Ask the people who live in Georgetown and Pflugerville TX about the changes in their town due to a company called Dell.Tastes in houses change; houses that I found archetecturally appealing as little as 10 years ago no longer attract me.

Landscaping and curb appeal are poor to marginal at best.

Step across the street and critically assess the curb appeal.

Are there areas within driving distance that appeal to you and are more affordible then the one you are presently in?

This means you want something that appeals to the most buyers so that you get the best price.

There are a number of threads where the topic has been discussed recently.Having an online service is nice but you need to learn more about how investor think if you want to identify properties that will appeal to investors.Most birddogs will focus on properties and investors that are local.

Lighting and security screen doors or access control for common areas; removing overgrowth that provides hiding places or pest havens; access area, curb, and hazard paint striping; these all add to curb appeal as well.