Answer is you do all your homework ahead of time.Can't believe how many new investors buy a rental and then post here asking how do they market it, where do they get a rental application from, do background checks and they also need a lease.That lack of thinking things through will eventually lead to their failure.

Check out @T Grein's comment above though.

Check with the city on where they are install new sidewalks, outdoor eating areas, walking and biking areas.

And just checking, is the EMD requirement for foreclosure auctions 5% of the total reserve price?

It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..Wishing you the best

All we can contribute is to check the HUD website for the certification requirements.

So I always just look up my competitors listings and see what they're charging and how full they are....which amenities do they have, etc....You can double-check with the sites you mentioned, but to rely only on them would be foolish IMHO....

Check investorlift.com.

Banks requires (2) months copies of your checking or account for the down payment.If you get the cash into the account 3 months prior it will "not" show as a large deposit that you have to source and show it came from a personal loan which then causes no issues in underwriting.

Check us out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/846713759601226It's a great group with a lot of knowledge and a lot of "action takers."