How to Win Friends and Influence People was influental as well and in the class you practice these principles so by the end of the course you have the skils and experience to talk to strangers.

I've been told that presentation can really affect perceived value (and may even influence a mediocre appraisal).

You need to keep your market in mind and not be over-influenced with great looking (and expensive) designs.  

How are you helping him make money.whats his expectationsWho's making the schedule  How are you getting compensated and whenMeet with him everyday if possible even if its for a quick coffee, get to know him personally, create at a relationship, ask questions, then listen.Do more then is expected and ask for nothing in return, you will get compensated for that later (Maybe) Get your hands on anything you can about Project management and read it. lots of info on the web.Read How to win friend and influence people, BY Dale Carnegie and Think and go rich by Napoleon Hill Don't be afraid to speak with and ask question of the trades, suppliers, city officials and whom ever is involved, they have been there and done that in there area of expertise, most of the time they know the best way to get it done, just ask, What do you think is the best way, then take notes, you get them on your side they might do a little more if asked.The only thing I can guarantee is, if you don't try, nothing will happenThis might lead to some cool stuff, one never knows.Good luck

I think a lot of great points have been made in this thread, and it definitely represents a great cross-section of great investors, but it's interesting to note how the different markets have influenced the investors. i.e.

Never know what comes back, but you can't influence the appraiser anyway (LOL).

(tried to vote you up but my votes aren't working-owell, i guess you have enough influence already) i've learned on here that you don't want to pay for cashflow..you can make any property look like a great investment by buying down the mortgage with a larger downpayment, but you're essentially just paying for cashflow....make sure the property cashflows assuming 100% financing and you'll be golden!!

They have to avoid any hint that a buyer, seller, lender, owner or any other party had an influence on their opinion of value.

My question is how can you find out when a City has new development projects which in turn can influence where you should be buying depending on how significant the project might be.

This book was a great match to my belief in how to treat your residents.How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.