Homes are appreciating in the area. 2 Story , 3BR 2BA, 2300 sq ftAustin, TX areaComps coming in at about $175-195KRents at about $1550-$1600House needs $14K of foundation repairI estimate another $6-8K for collateral damage and minor repairs to make rent readyFoundation engineer says home is structurally sound and safe to live in, but wouldn't say how long. 

@Ira Dallam I am part of Capital REI, and DMV deal makers FB community.

I know I have to have discipline to do work after work to make real estate happen.

I remember more than 15 years ago I told my husband riverside is gonna be a money maker but we weren't in the position to by. 

Some others might not make sense either but are big money makers.

Does it make rents lower than the average when a tenant pays heat and utility's?

Don't get the ones with the ice maker and water filter, it's just more that will break later.

What I liked was that I could speak to the decision makers.

To make your money you can improve it (clean it up and have it surveyed... or have title issues resolved during closing) or list it fsbo at a still super low price but more than you paid.Taking advantage of people would look something like.... mailing to that same list and telling them that they are very close to losing the property whether they are or not, lying to them... like telling them that you are offering market value, telling them that you can close in seven days and then stretching it out to 45 days because you don't have the money, offering less to a seller that can't make rational decisions, telling them that they get nothing if it sells at a tax sale when the state has a clear system for overage collection etc...  

I'm going to say what nobody seems to say.If you aren't part of the political "in crowd" there, chances are you're due diligence efforts are going to be wasted.If you are talking to receptionists,,,,,,,,,,The guys who get there deals done, have the real decision makers private cell phone numbers, and know each other on a close first name basis