My observations have been that people who buy, buy.

I usually will enter a new market with the best of what I have, but inevitably there are tweaks to be made to observe local customs and manerisms.

It's very common for those with experience, to post follow up questions, and make observations.

But I do far more deals in the south east (roughly a 5:1 ratio) as I find it much harder to find a deal in the north but not all that hard in the south.These are mostly rehabs, but I feel that overall that this observation would hold up across those strategies.  

@Dmitriy - did NOT say write check to yourself my friend - I said write a check, which would be to seller - and your observation that loan can not be taken is in direct contradiction to self directed IRA structure - please see video on link above also FYI - we have investors doing this every day, so setting up your self directed IRA with checkbook (as the expression goes) does NOT delete the custodian, it only positions the custodian so that you do not need his/her permission to go to the bathroom - si ?

From my observation, there always seems to be unexpected surprises during the reno/rehab that will extend the duration and increase the cost of the reno.  

Worth more than rehab and selling fees, meaning profit is available.As a disinterested observer, I can't see why it's not listed at a price that'll make it gone as soon as legally possible.

I'm currently managing a large (for Roanoke) mixed-use/multi-family property.My observation is that rentals in the suburban areas of the city are declining, but the urban areas have a booming rental market.  

because in think and grow rich napoleon hill talks about a philosophy for success based on observation. in outwitting the devil, he talks about his own adversities and how he actually applied that philosophy to becoming successful. it's VERY interesting. the beginning talks about some of his struggles after he wrote think and grow rich. he then overcame them. and the most interesting part of the book is his interview with the devil where he gets the devil to reveal to him how he traps people. the devil then tells him 7 principals that'll keep people from being trapped by him. it's very interesting and even though he wrote it in 1938 he promised his wife he wouldn't publish it because she thought it was too controversial.

No attempt at price fixing, just an observation:)  The difference is in how you address it with your client.