I went and looked today.Went with an HP 23" flat screen computer monitor and then for the desktop I went with a Lenovo.1 TB hard drive,8 gigs of ram, Intel I5 processor.Couldn't get Windows 7 as they were replacing all 7's and loading Windows 8 on there.It's okay as they showed me classic desktop view on there where you do not have to use the tiling system so I am okay with that.Cost 599 so that was fine with me for what I want to do.Might get a MAC later but I am really busy and didn't want to have to learn something brand new and wanted plug and go.

Typically, in my area, if you aren't willing to 'get creative' you simply won't get inside 70-80% of the 'good deals' before they go off market.Hour one: Listing hits MLSHour two: First person goes in legally and puts the key back in the boxHour 2.5: Second person goes in and DOESN'T put the key back in the boxHour 2.8: Third person breaks the door downHour 3: Fourth person breaks another door down and then uses spare lumber and a cordless drill to seal the house up (Conveniently rounding off the screw heads)Hour 3.2: Fifth person drives off in a huffHour 3.4: Sixth person breaks the screwed-together door down with a 10lb sledge and a flat bar, bolt cutters, portable grinding wheel, or what have you.Hour 4: House is under contractDay 3: Another key gets put in the lockbox, but by now the 5th guy who wanted to play by the rules is already too late since the house has been under contract for 2.5 days.So yeah, it can get frustrating.

While it's a pain, you can trim studs for the difference in thickness, hammer a chesel and a little skill.Have you considered covering it with a shower surround,flat stock and cut it out for the window ?.....

They give you three hours to take it, I finished it in 30 min flat.

No baking of any items either.

Most agents seem to like to live big when times are good and be flat broke when they aren't.

Maybe on a per pic/hour basis with the material going through you, otherwise maybe a flat monthly rental.If you have a good idea, sandbag, never give out 100%, that keeps you in the loop.

I'm looking for profitable 2-4 flats where my wife and I can live and rent out the others.

A lease option is one strategy, if you start changing one to financing or a longer term, or requiring the tenant to assume maintenance, you're not in a lease option situation, a land contract or contract for deed becomes more appropriate, a subject to deal could better be used or just flat out seller financing becomes more appropriate.

It's a 4 flat 3br /1 bath.