And what this neighborhood is really like.

I am like you, even before I was an investor, I preferred to drive around a neighborhood and find listings, and call the listing agent directly, and make an appointment to see the house.

Several of us even share an ad in the newspaper.

Choose a neighborhood and get to know everything about it.

Just thought I'd clarify the situation a little further.I think the rental market is strong here; the house is two blocks from the college (not that college kids are always the best target market, either) and just from driving around and watching FOR RENT signs and the newspaper it looks like there is a fairly high occupancy rate.Thank you very much for your quick response - I will continue to do research and figure out my options.Josh

Bigger Pockets has a list of resources for national, regional and local bank REO listings on its website link: Foreclosure Resources, Where to Find Foreclosures, Bank REO Listings, Pre-Foreclosures, etc.Banks buy foreclosed properties at sheriff sales so, check the county sheriff's website, courthouse listings and local newspapers to see what sold and who bought it.

I also found a really good neighborhood on the Southside that I want to target.

I also have an ad in the local newspaper which has generated a lot of calls.

This property is a city rowhouse in a very high end neighborhood, so it gets alot of foot traffic.I'm not sure if a banner is too big, or would piss off the current owners too much.

Please check my math.Taxes =2% of appraised valueInsurance on the safe side is 2% of replacement costTypical 3/2/garage in Broward and Palm Beach counties in a working class neighborhood will safely fetch $1500 now, maybe lower soon.