the dream would be to build out a shipping container. i think the main thing that attracts me to them is that they're basically indestructible. would be nice when the inevitable earthquake rolls around.

The refrigerator and stove are looking like they'll cost about $1400 new tax and shipping included. 

Hello BP,We currently have a small (20') shipping container home located in Jacksonville, FL.

So if you have a lot of advertising and shipping expense, you'll rack up points quickly. 

I agree with Bishoy,job growth and steady large employers are key to determining a healthy rental area.Indianapolis,Memphis and Dallas are great because they have affordable properties to buy to rent to steady employees like truck drivers,FedEx,UPS,and air cargo employees whose jobs aren't being shipped to China or anywhere else.Alabama has car and aircraft manufacturers growing and moving in there.North Carolina has techies escaping the high cost of California.God knows everybody is looking to move to Texas for manufacturing what little we still make in America.Georgia has become one of the biggest areas for filming Hollywood movies cheaper.That is where my money is headed in the next 3 years of buying properties.

For the most part, the tenants keep their homes ship shape.

And advise on making the decision to jump ship or grab the properties up?

I've been slogging through what WAS my first flip for nearly a year now (same old story here -- hired the wrong person, made other bad decisions, blah blah) and we've finally righted the ship by getting a start QB on the field and we're weeks away from market-ready now. 

To further what Jay Hinrichs mentioned on not being present at closing, ask your lender and their suggested closing attorney if/how they do mail away closings - the one I just worked with a client (buyer from CA) on the closing attorney emailed the paperwork to the buyer with an overnight shipping label. 

I'd almost say your logic is beyond faulty -- its dangerous.Rather -- and I would not say this applies to Dante, specifically -- but the habits we take going into a deal mean far more than the deal itself.You cannot make money if you cannot align your income and expenses properly.You cannot make money if you overspend/spend more than what you make.You cannot make money if you are undisciplined in financial and operational matters -- you may be able to show short profits, but I think long-term success is highly predicated on proper planning, forecasting, adjusting, and action.To me seeking out a profitable deal to "right the ship" is like buying an advanced set of lottery tickets.