@Brian Burns, I have a very targeted neighborhood, and walk it frequently with my husband and children.

I would at least do that... see what you can see.Most lenders hire 3rd parties to verify work done then draw gets released.. at least I know Realty shares does this.And you have to when your lending to the general public like this.... these deals can go upside down easier than you think and 25 to 30% equity can get eaten up very quickly.. all those prime SF is a good place to be compared to other markets that are not as robust.. but I would certainly take a drive up.. maybe you will catch someone working on it and can walk in.

I walked through a house yesterday, and talked with some very interested sellers.  

Hey Guys,So my girlfriend and I were walking the dog (I was actually "walking for dollars", she doesn't know that though) and I found a vacant looking single family home in a great neighborhood.  

David Bokman The properties are about a 10 minute walk to Sugarhouse.

I don't agree with the above posts that the agent should receive full commission on this sale because in the past other buyers have walked on them.

Just be confident that you are the best person to do this deal, and if the numbers don't work, walk away.

There are well reasoned articles by attorneys around the United States which explain that the ideal scenario would be to have a local attorney walk through your particular business plan to determine your best course of action and to draft what you need.

The only ones who can truly teach you the steps to success are those who have walked them.

So to do that you either go and walk around handing those to people (not very effective, not very targeted) or you can buy a good proven list to mail those postcards to so it's more targeted.