I prefer to buy marginal properties (that can be fixed) in better neighborhoods (vs better properties in marginal neighborhoods, that can't be fixed).

Hi Jonah, I'm specifically an investor agent and property manager here in Huntsville AL and surrounding areas.

I guess if it's the only way to make a deal happen and the margins can cover he can fees by all means go for it.

The lease is "silent" on who maintains the chair lift specifically.

Chris, The importance of each metric can shift based on your specific goals (buying, selling, investing), market phase, and economic conditions.

Depends on the profit margin and what the interest has been like in the houseSeems odd they can't increase the purchase price to 224k - I mean we're talking an extra 2k financed over 30 years - this is like a few dollars a month lolBut with the timing and holding - I'd probably just sell it and get to the next.

@Samuel Metcalf- thanks   1) I would recomend getting a HELOC in place on your primary residence duplex  for  as much as  possible...this should be available for  free or a low  cost and the rate will be variable in the  8-11%  range ...prime rate +  margin of  1-3% ) ...the min payment is in interest only payment on outstanding balance   2)  use the heloc for the  remodeling  costs ...pay it down as  agressively as you can   3) on the  purchase of the investmenet  1 unit -  you are  allowed to put as little as 15%  of the price for your down payment ...the pricing you get for the loan will improve  as your down payment  grows so you might look at  75% /  80%  and  85%  ltv  options 

What are some states (and specific areas in those states) that are worthwhile to research and consider purchasing properties?

I always hire the specific contractors I need for each task.

Instead, appraisal costs may be deductible as a current expense if they are incurred for the purpose of determining the property's fair market value for a specific business purpose, such as refinancing or appealing property tax assessments.