On a $2 million purchase, that’s $100,000 to $200,000, significantly less than if you purchased it with a loan.If the deal goes bad, you don’t have to exercise the option, so your downside risk is limited to your option money, time, and improvement costs. 4.

Does credit only play a role in time? 

Exercise a little flexibility if the situation warrants.

It's a fun exercise to divide the replacement cost by your estimate of the items useful life to calc out how much you should theoretically have in your reserve fund each year.I'm a long ways from theoretical, but at least I know how far off I am.Best to you.

On the first Tuesday of each month, each county is allowed to hold a tax auction where you can purchase properties on the court house steps (not all of the 254 counties exercise their State given right). 

I got into the role because I have the skills for it and already called the board out on financial neglect years ago.

Home is paid off with no mortgage.I did some research and saw the owner passed away in 2002 and has back taxes since 2008 owes about $20,000The property was supposed to go to auction the beginning of this year but was withdrawn.I just found out that probate was opened only 5 months ago by someone and role it states her as Petitioner, Administrator.What would be the next step to take from here, I don't know if this woman has any relation to the deceased, why would she open probate 12 years later.This house could be a great deal, but not sure what information I need to obtain.

I currently exercise a buy and hold strategy, but have decided to do a couple of flips in between rentals to generate extra working capital.  

Perhaps most importantly you need to take a more proactive role in your investment-it's  your  money.

Also, it is kind of a fruitless exercise since returns vary by area.