Based on my preliminary research I am interested in 2 areas.1) South Raytown close to the old Bannister Mall as Cerner Corp is redeveloping it, creating jobs and growth.2) South Grandview where I see the schools are rated a little better and you can still get good cash flow, with potential for a little appreciation.

At the 2 hr. preliminary presentation, which was promoting a 3-day seminar to come a little later, another registrant next to me specifically asked whether the 3-day was real training we could really use to flip houses and not just an up-sell program and we were assured it was real training, not up-sell.

You do/may not need to get a "full" appraisal and plenty of appraisers are willing and happy to do limited valuations or preliminary research or even just supply you with better data for your own analysis.

Of course I am just in the preliminary stages of learning this kind of business, but I was interested in the fix and hold investing style just like J.

Not for sure... but I'd wager on that.

In this competitive market, that auction seemed (based on very preliminary observation, I grant you) like a whole lot of work (and risk) for a limited return.  

My net proceeds to me are estimated about $61k on the preliminary HUD.

I recommend skimming through this even if you have some preliminary real estate knowledge because it can open up your eyes to possibilities you didn't realize existed.The BiggerPockets Podcast is another great way to build your real estate knowledge while doing every day activitiesFinally, use the forums!

We also, have some properties on the back burner, that we are taking offers on, but are not activly marketing.As far as my roll in the company: I do all the preliminary land planning for zoning, i run the properties through zoning, and all the loops the county send us into.

We looked at the service yesterday, and it gives as much info as a true preliminary title report!