I know that there is more behind the scenes then what is shown on TV but on these shows, they seem to be able to do a renovation for between 30-40K.

Local residents should take initiative to fix their own neighborhoods and lives.Maybe I'm cold and believe that people should be responsible for their own lives-- and in the slums, that could mean 80 hours a week, getting off welfare, educating oneself, skimping by on Ramen and having no TV/phone/cable/other luxury service or goods, shopping thrift stores for clothes, not smoking or drinking (expensive), not going out to eat or to clubs or movies when poverty-striken on welfare, cutting all expenses when on welfare and taking any job that's offered, making wise choices, and moving away from the slums.

A lot of people watch those TV shows and think "I can do that" but they don't have the facts on how to do it the right way and end up in trouble.

In a hot market, it's easier to sell than to buyer; therefore in a hot market, you're making most of your money when you sell.Again, I don't have direct experience with this, but given how many people seemed to be making lots of money prior to the recession (especially if you believe all those TV flip shows :), it seems like making money in an up-trending market is probably as easy (if not easier) than in a bad market.Btw, I would guess that making money in a stagnant market is the toughest...which is why I have a feeling a lot of new rehabbers are having trouble breaking into the business -- the past year has seen a very stagnant market in most areas of the country from what I can tell.

And when I say that, I say that with 12 years of marketing experience utilizing almost everything there is, SEO, PPC, Call centers, mailers, email marketing, radio/ TV ads, etc.

It's not like the general public where you post an ad on TV and hope it hits a particular demographic.

They also do radio and TV ads (researched and purchased through their own ad agency), which are something an individual investor just can't do.  

Absolute scam... lenders don't beg for up front fee's  crooks do.. watch American greed when its on TV  you will see how scammers work..these are nothing more than variations of the Nigerian scammers send me money there is 20 million sitting in the bank I need your helpor the one on 60 minutes were they send you fake cashiers check saying you won sweepstakes.. these guys are world class scammers working out of country..

LeeWe make service calls every day to turn on fireplaces, fix hot tubs, help people work the TV, and help them find the property.  

Merely watching Iron Chef on TV is not enough.