They function as sort of a go-between though, which I dislike in principle as someone that generally participates as a principal.  

If I cannot test a component (if the utilities are off) I assume the component is not functional.

Also seems like the seller may now entertain looking into the roof repair as well as ensuring that the heating unit is functional.

Slight hijack of the thread, but related: in my state I've found the legal notices for probates, and am wondering if you would generally always go to the Courthouse, or just use the property search function on the county websites to determine if someone owned property?

In my mind if one was to jump into it and I am sure there are very successful people doing it, its a full blown bizz be very difficult to try to pick one or two out..then you have the issues of OK you bought the note ( thats the easy part) simple assignment and escrow function..

They also have a pretty fluid and robust file management system.

Bandit signs is really a function of 'location'.

It means the function that calculates cash on cash return now returns an error :).

A 203b mortgage might work well for you, but you can use regular fha mortgages as long as the home is functionally sound.

@Albert Hasson Thanks for the reply.I have spoke to a couple friends of mine, 1 is a commercial banker, another is a very large investor in Philly and neither have heard of a Guidance Line for rental properties.Your description is similar to my thoughts on how it would function.