This is precisely the benefit of having a buyer's agent. 

When the homeowner starts falling behind on his mortgage repayments, the bank charge them hefty penalties which over time add up and can erase any equity the owner has in the house.Unless you talk to the owner or the bank who holds the note, I don't think you can precisely know how they owner owes when they are  not current on their mortgage.

Use it as leverage.Do you know precisely how much time in NJ? 

. - I'm sure it's doable but the numbers have to be very precise. 

It's a sensible term in that context because construction is often precise, an art even, and hacking is something you do with an axe. 

Hey @Sean YehudaI don't precisely about the Houston market.

If its 4 units or less the income approach which Cap rates are used not so relevant. residential units are appraised by per unit precises and CMA of comparable sales. 

As you build construction knowledge, you can estimate repairs more precisely and bid on houses with more problems (make more money). 

I stayed here by choice, precisely because of the opportunity I saw in this market compared to CA.

I've generally pushed rents up about 5% to 7% from last year, but didn't get much increase for a couple years before that. if I do appearance and energy upgrades I get superior rent for the neighborhood.The precise location of your building will impact your ability to increase rent.