I am intensely fascinated by the market and the fact that this investment provides tangible and human links that are unique to this field (which I'll bet for many has had both positive and negative implications!).

In both cases I would have a professional company manage the property.Does that seem like a safe bet ?

J Scott - you lost this bet, but it seems that your first and second favorite teams will be competing in the upcoming Super Bowl - that's a look on the bright side for you :)

If the house then catches fire, you can bet that Gross Negligence will listed as a cause of action on the lawsuit.

These are not limited to cost or the size and experience of the borrower.Jeff

I have been offering the lease option if they meet this criteria but they usually aren't interested in that either even after explaining the benefits (I guess my sample size is too small).

People who are buying there are either doing major re-positioning - i.e total renovation of building or space and/or betting on huge appreciation.

I called around and checked rental rates and low to average for a 3/2/2 duplex of that size.

You can roll her closing costs into the sale price and pay them.Selling to her sounds like your best bet if you're 1,000 miles away and netting $5 per month.

He owns a decent size real estated company.