It used to be that banks would break policy and lend over 80% LTV, but now they are very sensitive to do this since this is one the first things their regulators look at during examinations.

You can prove almost anything with stats.

He was a bank examiner no one I would rather have on my side , his know how has certainly been proven to me.

One thing though, if anyone really wants to understand what regulators are up to, you can go to various sites and read the requirements and laws, as well as the methods used, including considerations in examinations in performing their functions.

Finance examiner is exactly right...you will be acting as the principle...not the sellers agent...therefore DISCLOSE you are a licensed agent.

A stat that won't turn off?

I strongly recommend this website.Neighborhoodscout.comIf you're searching for deals in an area you might not be familiar with this site will help you understand all the stats you'd ever want to know.

My REI website is brand new (we're talking new car smell new) so I don't have and stats to share w/ you but I, as a mobile phone user, browse web pages via my iPhone constantly.

Hi Joshua,So here is one stat to add to the pile:According to the National REIA http://www.nationalreia.com/about-us/history/ - they have over 40,000 members - so that should start to help you with the # of real estate investors in the USA

I bet there are dozens of zipcodes in Cincy and Columbus alone that you shouldn't invest in, and lets not forget to mention Detroit...You can also check crime stats for areas on yahoo and other real estate sites.