R2R also has a 4/2 model that is currently about $20K cheaper than Whitestone's closest model, but I'm told the build price through R2R (or moreso Beattie) is about to jump up $15K.

AND, find a mentor or investor on this forum (or a friend who invests if you know any) and buy them a steak dinner if they will walk the property with you and give you advice on what parts of the inspection report are must-do items in the short-run and which you can leave for later (or indefinitely).

James, Bruce and I will take you out for a good pizza or a steak dinner. 

Top Bun - The 2nd "set" is between you and the tenant buyer.Meat (& spread) - You are in the middle.You charge more on the lease to the Top Bun, than it costs you from the Bottom Bun....and, you charge more on the Purchase (when the option is executed) to the Top Bun, than you are charged to buy it from the Bottom Bun.Object:  To make money on the "spreads"Spread #1 - Difference between lease paymentsSpread #2 - Difference between Option ConsiderationsSpread #3 - Difference between purchase Prices Just make sure it is a steak sandwich and not turkey:)

I still believe that in their core every successful investor is a good person who wants the best for their closest ones, help people, and give back to others passing on their expertise in some sort of way.

This may be the closest analogue to what I am seeking.

(Google it) It is also the closest Baltimore group to DC.

As a broker and investor I can expand on this some.REO broker you can almost forget getting one on one service.Their meat and steak and repeat business are banks and asset management companies assigning listings.They employ buyers agent to handle that side of the transaction most times and are too busy doing reports,etc. for the bank.Some smaller REO brokers might handle the buyers side if their book of business is small to medium size.Many of my friends on the residential side stay away from the REO list side now as the margins are too low and overhead too high.They have shifted to be buyers agents on REO's for the higher co-op OR they are listing short sales before it reaches foreclosure.Banks with the ROBO fiasco are gun shy a little on foreclosing but can do short sales more quietly and shed defaulted assets.This is why short sale volume has been picking up more and more and residential REO has been stagnating with volume in some markets.As far as wholesalers and assigners.I don't dislike anyone.I play the percentages.A direct end buyer purchasing cash takes out the mystery and things that can go wrong with a wholesaler.So as far as listings I prefer vanilla deals that have a higher percentage of closing.Wholesalers with a little cash make up many who are experimenting on deals to try and make a buck and are new to the game.This causes many of these types of deals to fall out.It's just like a buyer obtaining financing.What type are they trying to obtain makes all the difference in the world on the structure of a deal.So wholesalers and assignees are a last resort with my listings.

look up urbanrehabber.com the meet up is at 1100 East 55th Street, ChicagoThat may be the closest one to your area that I know of

If you are interested in student housing rentals in Bpt, I'd try off Madison Avenue/Park Ave area closest to the college (North End).