Here's a new bit of info, fresh today, that demonstrates the danger of the present situation:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1621970.eceApparently conducting joint military exercises with Georgia would be considered an act of war with Russia.Interesting.

:lol: If there was anything that demonstrates the facist nature of California, this is it.

A ton of ink has been generated demonstrating conclusively that renting often makes more sense than owning. 

go the road of HMLs to start, heavily document each deal along the way, so that you can then point to a successful track record when speaking with a local bank, and you'll be able to demonstrate that you know what you're doing.

As long as people know you are getting it fixed, that demonstrates you're a responsive Landlord that likes to take care of the property.

Yes, it costs you more of your profit in closing costs, but it clearly demonstrates your ability and intent to close.

The selling prices I stated were hypothetical to demonstrate the point, but I cant see how that would be risking lawsuit or reputation...they wouldn't be forcing the seller to take the deal.

Even in our residential properties where we have conducted a en energy efficiency retrofit and have demonstrated an efficiency improvement (of >70% in one instance, but usually between 40 & 60), we have not been able to command much of a premium to market rent, but we have noticed retention has improved (turnover is down).

Personally, I've never used anything but a variable rate mortgage - and I remember 16-20% interest rates in the 1980s as the math solidly demonstrates, if you can handle the bumps, you come out ahead in the long run.  

Whose address is: (ADDRESS).Closing: Closing will be no sooner than 45-days and no longer than 60-days from the date of acceptance this contract as demonstrated by buyer and seller signing this agreement. 45-day date: 60-day date:Title: An unencumbered, marketable title to said property to be conveyed by deed of General Warranty, with the usual covenants such as any title company will insure, except easements of record, restrictive covenants of record as to use and improvement of said property, and except applicable regulations imposed by any planning and zoning commission.Contract Stipulations:-Outstanding property taxes shall be pro-rated between Buyer and Seller as of closing date.