I use a more specific method of approach to rental properties that I find is effective across the board, regardless of region.You always target the following things:A profit point vs price to purchase Areas of historical high population.A price range of 50k-200k.For me for example, I wont accept a property with a profit margin of less than 20% at the end of the day, all things said and done, its simply not worth my time.Also, I target a specific profit margin of x per $100 I spend on a property.

I could do the same here if needed but hope I wont need to do that.

I need to make this first deal go smoothly or I wont have access to any of it.My local area is out.. thats for sure, So Cal.. shouldnt have to tell anyone the reason why.. 

There are historical reasons for the lack here, but I wont bore you with the details.Another consideration, on cheaper properties, say in the under $300k price range...for some reason, the rents on these tend to be a bit stronger on the Maryland side of the border than they are in Virginia....so you will find a better price/rent ratio in Maryland.

My technique probably wont work in your situation but this is what I do...If a person is camping at a vacant property that I am buying or currently own I will post notices on the doors that read some like....

I have read were the document gets put with all the other paperwork and held in escrow or title co until tenant excersizes option, but I'm finding in my area most title companies wont touch assignments or double closings dry. this is very frustrating because I know others have found investor friendly attorneys and title co. the attorney I talked to wanted a retainer before anything happens, I explained proceeds would be covered by funds from deal, maybe due to my lack of experience but I know others have set it up with their attorneys to get paid that way too.

I've tried, I've called, I've had to sit on my hands watching someone destroy the property before it goes to sale but, historically, there was nothing I could do at least here in California.There is usually language in the security agreement where an owner agrees not to damage the property but, they also agreed to make payments so, so much for the teeth in that.

In my opinion, rich kids are the worst, they are so entitled and destroy everything around them.

If the bank agrees, I'll gamble (fix the foundation, but probably not fix the destroyed unit for now, and keep the other 3 rented, rehab as people move out), if not I'll walk (or see if @Skyler Smith is still interested after reading all this :-)Jean

. :-)  Funds wont be released until they all RECORD simultaneously...no funds disbursed for a partial recording....and how much is disbursed to which escrow company once they have recording numbers??