I write a blog about being a landlord, and have recently written an article about what to look for in buying a duplex: http://www.iboughtaduplex.com/general-day-to-day-landlord/tips-for-buying-a-duplex.php Good luck to you in your property search!

Even if you flip houses its important to be able to write off business expenses, all though you can do it on your own, a corporation has more legal rights to write a lot of other things that individuals can't, its that plain and simple.While a corporation has over 600 plus tax write off as of the summer of 2002, the individual person has maybe at best 6 tax deductions.

The house was paying for itself and the tax write off was nice.

I am a believer that the seller should pay that fee but it is mostly the buyer that gets stuck with it...great software for investors, then, especially if it is right on the money & excepted by the lenders!!

hey i didn't write that much!

I'm amazed you guys talk about these types of transaction in writing LOLThis is the very reason why, lenders are getting very skeptical in their lending practices.

I'm interested in services that any of you have used to keep in good communication either VIA email, message boards, efax, database software programs?

I plan to write the owner to see if she is intereseted in selling.

i love how the average home owner thinks of their personal home as an asset and they all talk about the "interest" they "write off" at the end of the year.

I've spoken to them in the past regarding this and they promised to contact me in writing or by phone anytime there was an issue that cost more then the $100.