I would also utilize some of the great tech tools that are out there, especially virtual flyers and vids syndicated through youtube, yahoo, truveo etc.

., price + rehab = 70% of ARV), they certainly won't make anywhere near $80K profit.Assume they get a hard money loan for the $140K and hold for six months.They pay purchase closing costs around $2500.They pay the $20K for rehab.They pay about 10% of the loan in money costs, $14KThey pay insurance, utilities, and whatever else in holding costs, $3K (try pricing a vacant house or builders risk policy.)

Harrison:The only other option I can think of (well...not the only one (lol) is to utilize private/commercial lender.

-vacancy rate-maintenance-utilities-property mgt-other-property tax-insurance

Having little or no equity or upside down cash flow is not a good business prectice when utilizing this strategy.

I would have gotten more involved years ago with outside activities, such as biking, hiking and camping, and especially dog sports, agility, mushing and bikejoring, and perhaps been competitive on a local or fun level.

Many investors are utilizing a repeatable model in CA to make $ in RE.

Thanks for your input guys, but neither of you answered the question, which was not a "trick" question Dan.I often am asked by new investors if they should use the services of attorneys, CPAs, etc. or go at it alone until they make enough $ to afford them.That is the common question, not how much financial planners make. the FP was just one of many professional which a person can utilize, I was not specifically referring to them.Any real thoughts on how YOU would answer this question if asked of you by a new investor?

The only hurdle is finding the ability to utilize leverage.

Our landlord pays a portion of the utilities, we've viewed the bills and the usage has been cut in half since we've moved in.