I don't have an academic or statistical source for this to cite, but I'm pretty dang sure that there is a correlation among my clients between "did my own taxes" and "run my own business" and "got audited and it really really sucked."

Also, what would you recommend in terms of what fix up options get the best return upon sell.thank you for your help Ohio, and anyone else who wants to chime in I would greatly appreciate it, as I am trying not to be part of the statistic of those who lose on their first deal and then never try again.

At looked at third quarter 2009 and the 75 Largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas.

Once I choose areas I will find Agents with experience in investments such as this (most likely from forums such as this if allowed) who have been successful at what they do and who can basically "sell me" on the idea on investing in that neighborhood or that specific property(ies) using statistics, trends and other knowledge that may be hard to find online.Any suggestions, advice and comments would be greatly appriciated.

Join the local Chamber Of Commerce or go to thier sight they have local statistics.

I would also like to hear about this statistic from MikeOh's experience, but I would say that about 50%+ of the existing tenants that we have inherited over the years end up getting evicted.

Also, look at the statistics for population growth versus number of new homes built -- simple supply and demand if you know such figures is always the best predictive.

Just some local statistics for ya'll.

They'll sell just because I have the market statistics sitting in front of me every day (I'm a real estate agent).Knowing a market well is 100 times more important than just picking a area that's "Good"

These reports are helpful for noting trends and statistics that you can use for your business plan and property package.