I'm more optimistic now.

I know I have the tendency to be optimistic on rents when evaluating a deal.  

I don't know much about him or the book, but based on his reputation, I would doubt that any information his book would lead you in the wrong direction (it may be overly optimistic about your chances of success, but his education is likely reasonable based on reputation).While I don't think buying a book or two or five can ever get you in too much trouble (if $100 is going to break the bank, you might want to rethink the idea of getting into real estate right now), be careful of any upsell into high priced courses until you've done more thorough research...

@William DonnellyInspection reports, termites, new methadone clinic(s)... you name it.I think the more optimistic among us may call some of these 'Deal Makers', as it's a good chance to ask for more off the property.

  $1500 for rent on the street is very optimistic even for new construction

I moved to somewhere I hadn't ever considered just like you, and I'm feeling optimistic about your situation!

Agree with @Anson YoungBut perhaps more important, I think you are optimistic to think you can get a REO property under contract, which means you were the high bidder, then simply relist it and get a significantly higher price.

Right now, I really consider my second scenario an optimistic one, and the first is a realistic one.

A business where hard work and good decisions can lead to a happy life and not have to work for the man. i'm very optimistic

.$1250 - monthly rent (you have to base on what it is, not what it could be)40% expense (some here would say this is overly optimistic.