. =) I dont pay PMI so I dont know the rules for it.On the escrow, you will get your money back, but you wont be able to use it to fund your new escrow account when refinancing.

As an investor I wont pretend to be an expert in everything, like for example if I need to install some new fixtures I can get my ladder or step stool and knock that out with no problem, but if I need to rewire a circuit breaker or get an old house up to code I will call an electrician.  

The catch is i wont be able to spend much time at the property after the new year so I'm looking for a self starter who communicates well.

The flipper you wrote of may not have been caught yet, but when he does, it wont be fun.

BP will help educate you on how to do that, but probably wont tell you whether one place is a good place to invest.

i was aware of the meet up group but wont be in town until the 21st and leave before the next one in January. was hoping to catch someone while i was there. 

I'm on my 3rd student rental, i have renovated them completely, and put in new furnaces and hot water heaters. my property manager charges slightly more than most places for mine because they are nicer than most. i have found if you take care of the place, the students will as well, most students that destroy the places usually stay in the cheapest place they can find. i have had good luck with the students i have had for the past 3 years, and some of them have re-rented.

It wont hurt me to make an offer and if they are truly motivated to sell maybe I can make them realize what their property is worth.  

@Annie Li We bought it in the end of  2011, sold it in 2014, and i dont like to be negative, but this area will never recover, there is no chance for this area near Gary to recover, have you driven just down the block onto Broadway, you wont even have to go 3 blocks to see burned down, boarded and destroyed commercial real estate, tons of burn homes.

If you can't, hire them and follow them around and ask lots of questions, they wont mind and will enjoy your enthusiasm.Good luck-dr