I guess that's the goal but I think anything that gives you a better grip on maintenance/CapEx/appliance costs and planning helps a lot.4) Paperwork - Right now, this is your best defense as a landlord, this means properly executed tenant paperworks delivered in a time, method and manner specified by the local authorities (which sounds totalitarian). 

The developers that do this have such a tight grip on their construction contractors (an interesting and sad story within itself) that they have the homes built for bare bottom dollar.

Overall, I think you should keep looking around your area for properties and get a good grip on analyzing the numbers. 

Usually a vulnerable old person with limited grip on his faculties - is Prime target for wholesalers.Be happy with $100, lot of these guys like to brag about tying up a place with $0. 

I bought the AR from a cop for $1200 which is slightly different from my old M-16, but it's basically the same animal, bolt, lower receiver and carriage, the stock, hand grips modified with after market mods and a scope which I have not mounted, in fact I think the scope is at the cabin.The other reason I have it is because nuts have them, too bad you have to consider being out gunned, it's a civilian arms race.

Solid tenant screening is a must, you'll definitely want to have a good grip on that process before you advertise the rooms.

What helped me get a grip on things was:Reading REI books such the ones on this: LISTGet engaged here on the forums to better understand the concepts/things you're learning in the books.

Just as I though I had a good grip on what I would be looking for, I was now struggling with wondering where the heck do I begin.

I think thats the part I am unclear on....the exit strategy.I am getting abetter grip on how to structure the deal, but not too sure I understand what makes an offer attractive vs not attractive.Thanks!

I think they all eventually just kind of keel over dead in front of the TV gripping their Budweiser can, never to be heard from again.Not that I do a whole lot of rehabs, but on the few I do every year, I only looked at them twice; once when I closed and walked it with my contractor and again when he says he's done so I could do a punch list.