Not meaning to sound too harsh, maybe I should try to sound even more harsh.  

Hate to sound harsh but business is business.

I submitted a written offer today for a property in a neighborhood close to where I live.Here are some of the details, please let me know your thoughts, however harsh they may be...Purchase Price: $295,000 (Seller is absorbing 4% for closing costs)Down Payment: $0Gross Potential Rents: $24,000/yr ( I feel that these numbers are a little low for the area)Expenses: (Let me know if you think I may be missing something)Property Tax: $3,800/yr ( I may be exempt in Oregon for have a disabilty from my military service)Repairs/Maintenance: $2,400/yrInsurance: $600/yrUtilities: $2,200/yrTotal Expenses: $9,000 roughly per yearNet Operating Income: $15,000/yearDebt Service: $16,500/year (roughly)I am trying to get the price down to $285,000 after my walkthrough and inspections.

While escaping the harsh Canadian winter I could manage the investment properties more hands-on.

The winters are more harsh in Indy but Birmingham has had tornado damage in recent years.

@Dan Sieg  Not to be to Harsh but its this type of activity that really gives the industry a black eye.. you have someone ( you) with no means to close running around trying to tie up properties with the hope of finding a buyer.. you insinuate   one thing but can't back it up. 

One of the first ways which is illustrated throughout this thread is the harsh contrast between the idealistic view of real estate that we imagine (and which is marketed heavily by unscrupulous gurus) and the reality of real estate.The first hurdle to get over on the path to success is to be able to push through and to oftentimes be your own (and only) cheerleader and to be okay with it.

This may sound harsh.  

@Ted Akers- The purpose of using a private money lender is to avoid the harsh fees/interest rates from a hard money lender, and totally avoiding conventional financing thats way I'm doing it this way.

I have never received a harsh reply.