Not because of the system, but because they aren’t really ready to be successful.

Rob & Will,I understand that you don't want the property tied up for a long time and the deal falling through due to a "weasel cause".But what if the buyer truly wants the property and has concerns about, say the electrical system, which they aren't well versed in.

Also we are having trouble getting current award notices from the VA as my grandmother has trouble with automated phone systems and I live several miles away and work during VA business hours.

I too got laid off from my computer system project manager career in late 2008.

About 80 percent of the time the property looked good in the picture but when you got there in a matter of a few days to a week the place was trashed.You have to remember for the small commission the REO brokers are making on these it is "cash for trash".Small lots,old houses,very high taxes,and aging city sewer system that is falling apart.Many of these houses the foundation does waves,electrical and plumbing is stripped,mold,etc.Smart local investors are buying outside Atlanta in the surrounding counties where they spend a little more but nicer areas and higher rents and lower property taxes.

You're down around 1.3% rent versus purchase price.

Hi Andrew,Since you have decided to go ahead and work your own plans, you should know a couple of things.First, the HVAC contractor would probably take the plans to the supply house and have a system designed for the house.

Once you reach a certain point, you realize you can't do everything yourself so bring on a team or develop a system to put things on autopilot for you.

When you have a good system in place rental income can be passive.

Portfolio designers have rules of thumb about how much to carry in equities versus fixed-income bonds in traditional portfolios.