It's not a perfect science, but I've noticed that in most midwestern markets like Memphis, Indianapolis, Kansas City, etc...Anything that has a true market rent of "around" $800 and below is almost definitely a "C" property.  

People like to know the history of their house and most find flipping a pretty fascinating subject.

This isn't rocket science, or Congress.

Everything is sold right off the MLS, and the only marketing we do is direct to local buyer's agents who we have worked with in the past.Our average DOM is 17 days, with about half our properties going to agents we know (and market to) and about half going to buyers/agents who just find the property on the MLS.I guess what I'm saying is that it's not rocket science -- have a great product at a great price and it will sell quickly off the MLS, though it doesn't hurt to build relationships and market directly to past agents you've worked with.

And honestly, 1000 letters one time is a pittance if direct mail is going to be your deal source.Better as was mentioned earlier to use a smaller list and mail more frequently.Not trying to be a wet blanket here, but direct mail marketing is part art and part science.

I've had my nose in a book or in a screen at least 8 hours a day reading and learning as much as I could about this fascinating business.I have only had one property under contract, but it didn't work out.

This is really where running comps becomes as much of an art as it is a science.

Really depends on what kind of data is available for your area, what's online, etc, but for the most part it's not rocket science.

I've always found that fascinating in an odd way.

He and I started a science website but that doesn't pay, it's just fun (like how Brandon Turner likes to write about RE I like to write about science!).