Also, FYI, some of the concrete structures that look stained or dingy by age...Check into Soda blasting.

My starting point for repairs is usually 5% of rent, but depending on the  age of the home, location of the home, and types of tenants I am attracting, I will adjust repairs up to 10-12% of gross rents.Have you incorporated taxes and insurance?

Some places I work I can do Same neighborhood (that many sell within 6 months)Same style (Colonial/raised ranch)Square footage +- 10%Year +- 3Garage spaces =and I have plenty to get a solid number of properties to work withOthers:Same school district oh gees OK countySquare footage +- 20%Year +- depending on age (something built in 1845 compared to 1904 is essentially the same place, where something built 1996 is different range than 2010)sold within 6 months.... uggh ok 9 months... ugggh ok 1 yearAcres within 10%..... ugggh ok what is acreage selling for there unimproved..... oK I'll adjust...And I am still doing adjustments for 20 minutesThink of it as more of an art than a science.Good Luck

It depends on the location, the age & condition of the structure and it's components, weather there are liens on the land records, if there has been work performed without the required permits & inspection approvals, are there zoning or health department issues, are there open code enforcement cases where violations have been cited, are there fines running, and if you are will take responsibility for that type of a project.

It's an age where we have all been before, cocky and full of "go get'm", and they blindly go following what they see as the easiest path.

If I got started when I was your age, I'd be in a lounge chair all week :) There is so much free information out here and some great members in the area.

If anybody knows if I can still obtain my real estate license with a GED please help!

I could see how their offer could be compelling to a retail seller.As others have said, their criteria is pretty specific, ie no gated properties, > than a certain age, no pool, only certain areas etc.Nonetheless, I think they could be a significant disruptor in the industry.  

To narrow down your focus, first, identify the most basic requirements: schools and the public transportation to NYCEven if you do not have school-aged kids, and the schools are not your priority at the moment, it is an important consideration for your potential future tenants. 

Business people view fees as the cost of doing business and look for ways to deduct them from their taxable income.That said, of course, remember that with a self directed account the entire value can be used, while 401(k) loans are limited to 50% of your vested balance up to $50K. 401(k) withdrawals would be subject to the usual rules about the age of the account holder regarding penalties and 20% tax withholding.