There are even deals that you can strike where there is no out of pocket expense and you only pay after you have closed a successful deal.

So far I am just striking out.  

@Johnson H. recently witnessed a player in my market who has been striking deals and making money hand over fist in today's market, last year and the year before.

It was probably cheaper to get a cost appraisal than a full appraisal.Now, they are fixated on their prior cost appraisal, and don't understand that it was intended for only a very limited purpose.You must tell them that with older homes, the current fair market value can be strikingly different from the cost to rebuild.  

Definitely striking one off the top of my bucket list. 

Before doing that, you may want to seek out an active builder... and strike a deal.

You can usually call an appraiser and strike up a conversation and simply what vacancy runs for types of properties in the area.

So in that sense, I see a balance I can strike, while at the same time, expanding in uncertain futures.

Strike 2 (strike 1 was another half truth from the realtor for another thread some day)Late in December I see unit 2 listed on Craigslist. 

. - while I don't have any raw data or analysis on this, a general sales statement would be to strike while the fire is hot.