That said you are right - if real estate really was a magic unlock for 20% returns guaranteed Wall St would be all over it (well the already are but that's another story...).  

Keep in mind when I tell you this.. you will unlock the secrets of the universe and  .. well you will see..You start by...hey did you see that movie last night?

., most homeowners won't undertake these types of renovations and therefore can't "unlock" all the additional value themselves.So, to summarize, the two ways that flippers make money in this business are to make money when you buy (i.e., purchase so far below market value that you have equity after the renovations) and/or make money when you sell (i.e., increase the value so much with the renovations as to put the property in a new class when you sell)."

She couldn't unlock the door last night and assumed I changed locks.

I've encountered situations where the homeowner abandoned the property and the front door was left unlocked so an appraiser was able to run over and get it done.

@mau pan not sure how the laws work in pa but in Georgia you legally own the property the day of the foreclosure auction even though it can take several weeks or even months for the attorney to prepare and record the deed.So I always immediately get insurance, put utilities in my name and if it's vacant, get physical control and change the locks.Regarding the possibility of leaks, I always ask the water company to put service in my name, unlock the meter but leave it turned off at the meter.You can the turn it on yourself with a curb-key or a decent pair of pliers.

I help investors “unlock” their IRAs and 401Ks to be able to invest in alternative assets such as real estate.

Most of the local success stories are from those who started much earlier before the market became unreasonable and now have equity in their homes to unlock for more investments.  

We really focus on properties that "break even" if we do nothing, but that have a lot of upside if we unlock hidden value.Main source of leads is more or less anything. 

He is leaving the doors unlocked from his drinking when he goes out and I am afraid he will leave the gas on the stove on.