A few tips to get started:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.Read Beginner’s GuideCheck out BP Podcasts which you seem to be doing already ;-)If you'd like to tag someone in the conversation, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person that appears below the comments box.

They are paying way below market value for their unit and it would be ideal if I could either propose a rent increase or ask them to vacate.

Closing costs for a refinance are always the same: origination charge if the bank has one, title, appraisal if one is required (usually paid out of pocket by borrower), any points for the rate if it's below par, pre-paids such as taxes and insurance for your escrow account.

First off, let me know when you're in Dallas, I might be able to introduce you to my partner when the time is right ;-)That said I highly recommend using the awesome tools provided here on BP.A few more tips to get started or continue your learning:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.Read Beginner’s Guide.Check out BP Podcasts.Find upcoming real estate events and meetups near you.If you'd like to tag someone in the conversation, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person that appears below the comments box.

I hope the information below is helpful to some folks here too. 

I’m about to request my first list for owners absentees and I wanted to get some suggestions as to how do you guys set up your filters for a request.

These offers have a purpose to outlay the following circumstances: Offer 1 – asking price with traditional financing, offer 2- offer based on NOI and local cap (what would prob be norm if they took to market), offer 3 – lower purchase price (higher than NOI/cap offer but below asking), using 97% seller financing & preferred terms (don't know what they will say unless you ask :)).Buyer Performa used for all offers:Scheduled Rent: $3,900 Tax & Ins.: $850 8% Vacancy Rate (average is 7-8%) 4% Management Expenses 10% Capx/Maintenance (I’d prefer 15% but I’m ok with this giving value add opportunities I've identified) Offer 1 – I want to show the seller what their ideal deal looks like with their asking price and how it doesn’t work with traditional financing that creates negative cashflow for buyer.Purchase Price: $400,000 Down Payment: $80,000 Loan Amount: $320,000 Loan Payment: $2,292 monthly (bank with 6% and 25year amm.)

If there was no out-of-state money, housing prices would be lower in many of these markets.

In commercial real estate, a loss to lease refers to a unit being rented for below market value.

Your CapEx and Maintenance numbers may be low depending on what your answer is.What’s your exit strategy?