Here are some basics on the property.SFR RentalLong term (3yr) tenant pays $1350/mo + all utilities (tenant is local school superintendent)Owner possibly refinanced at $100k in 2003.26 acres2 /11 1/4 story capeWaterfrontDetached 1 1/2 story garageTown Assessed Value: $122,300Actual resale value: potentially around $150k Deeded access I have put in 10% management, 8% vacancy, and about 6% others (capex, maint, etc.)So here is what I would like to send his way for a seller financed offer with no money down: Seller financed at 5% (30 yr amortization) with a 5 year balloon payoff payment Balance payoff payment at 5 years (~$91,829) Early payoff <24 mos = 10 points ($10000)Early payoff >=24 mos <36 mos = 8 points ($8000)Early payoff >=36 mos <48 mos = 4 points ($4000)Early payoff >=48 mos <60 mos = 2 points ($2000)Option for buyer to extend payoff date up to 15 years (within 6 months of payoff date, at a cost of 2 points.)Buyer to pay all title, recording, transfer fees etc.Total Interest Paid (If paid in full at five year mark):$24,038Total Sales Price with interest (If paid in full at five year mark) : $124,038Keeping in mind that we make money on the purchase, I would like to offer a fairly low purchase price that would help me get my foot in the door, and continue to give him monthly cashflow and delayed capital gains.  

Basically I eliminate all the issues of the old properties.

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.I hope this basic guide helps.

Many times it is easy to lose sight of this very basic concept, and as a result, mean great real estate deals are lost.

I'm looking at condos in the Buckhead, Midtown, Piedmont Heights, O4W, Atlantic Station, and Decatur areas (among others in the north/eastern part of the city - basically everywhere north of I-20 and east of I-75) and I'd love to hear everyone's input who may be more familiar with the city than I am, what are some (if any) streets/areas in those neighborhoods that are unsafe or I should avoid for other reasons?

Kannapolis has a totally revitalized town square, and a massive research park downtown that is establishing themselves as a medical research authority in the region with very low prices to accommodate investment.Waxhaw has some of the best (if not the best) public schools in the Southeast.

But a basic turn-key package was going to run me $175,000 - $185,000  in addition to what I had into it and the numbers didn't work at that price.So now I have a nice 1 acre lot with a foundation, well, and electric for $25,000. 

He's the brains, lead generator, agent, and property manager of the operation (I trust him completely, he's a rock star), I'm basically providing the money.

Basically all of LA county and most of IE are good places to invest if you find the right deal. 

It’s an easy process, but can get pricey based on the depth and what needs to be dug through (and later replaced)There snare companies that do trenchless replacement - basically a hole is dug at the curb and the new pipe is pulled through the old pipe, breaking up the old pipe in the process.