It is usually not possible to get much above market rent and the majority of lease-option buyers never buy the property.

What happens if you have some major problem two weeks after you close?

We have become a big service economy with no underlying basis for that success, and I agree that there will be a major correction and price to pay some day.Thus my reason for being here -- I backed into real estate related employment a few years back, and I see it as the best place to make real money.

I sell the majority of my properties on a rent to own and get the big pay days.

Especially by people who have a vested interest in you buying something.Some expenses, like new roofs, new furnaces, or major tenant damage only happen once in a great while (hopefully).

Every time a government has used fiat money, the economy has collapsed.Now, add in $4 per gallon gasoline and runaway inflation on food and I honestly believe that we will see a major DEPRESSION in the near future (if we're not in the beginnings of one now).

(in MD)Is this a major issue?

I'm guessing this leasing tact is the developer activity you mention.Sorry, I'm not familiar with condo. prices in the area, but it should go without saying that the housing market here is as bad as elsewhere -- and layoffs at the major employers (Micron and HP) are bringing more homes to the market.I realize my interest in this is entirely different from those of you that have invested in this project, and might loose large sums of money -- I'm deeply sympathetic.

Being able to fix problems that others don't know how to deal with can be a major source of profit in your real estate business.

My 15 year old wood roof has endured 3 major hailstorms.