And I could argue that adding texture should DECREASE the total price of the job, as it reduces the amount of required skilled labor.$30-35 per board doesn't seem too bad in a more expensive market (especially the lower end of that range). 

Part of the reason that I'm going for the MBA is that it will give me some of the core skills I need and give some credibility (hopefully) to someone breaking in to a new field.

This will allow you to argue in court that a reasonable person could not have known of the unrecorded lien and perhaps have the sale nullified on those grounds.I consider myself to be highly skilled at title search.

If you have some negotiation skills and simi-cooperative tenants/residents, you can often accomplish it quicker and cheaper by using your wits.

I personally don't like the idea of tenants doing 90% of repairs/improvements because you don't know the skill level of the tenant.

I started out marketing directly to estate reps after first honing my skills as an investor in foreclosure and other distressed real estate BEFORE tackling probate. 

I agree with Pierce as to his appraisal techniques, but your negotiation skills are not a value that reduces a lender's risk, if you could buy it at that price does that mean that no one else could buy it at that price if it went to a foreclosure auction?

Being personable and mastering negotiation skills can set you apart and help you close deals that the big guys couldn't.

I think you are onto your best thinking when you seek to partner with investors to offer your skill set. 

I don't expect him to actually buy the land and use my plan but i just want to show that i have skills and value and might be a good person to keep around.