Stuff like:Are they an angry landlordAre they current in their billsJob transferDivorceDefaultugly housesYou know.... all of that motivated seller stuff that is listed in every book on real estate investing.Your job is to learn the art of what I call in my book "Verbal Judo" You have to skillfully develope a style that gets you the information that you need while putting the seller at ease.

All Cash,You asked if there is anything weird about OR.Assume OR is pretty liberal or more libertarian than TX.

My background consists of over 5 years of mortgage experience.3 years as a loan officer with a national broker.2 years of with a national lender, in the appraisal review department.In the last year I have decided to get into the appraisal business, as an account executive for a national appraisal company, which I am finding is a great way to stay connected within the mortgage business.Before my career in appraisal/mortgage , I attended Salem State college in which I received a degree in Liberal Studies.

But that's my life--I like the arts and good restaurants and galleries and a bit drier climate.In conclusion, I would pick my desired area first and then crunch the numbers.

I still have the art my husband and I bought at the starving artist shows along the riverfront park in San Antonio.

Approaching any lender with disclosure can be an art, since the intitial reavction will be "you can't do that", but after you explain the details and their options, they will change their tune.

Staging is an art.

Forgive the title, but it was the title of a fantastic Real Estate Blog entry: http://hismove.com/blog/the-art-of-puking-your-business-identity-onto-the-internet/ that I came across a couple months ago.

Also consider the travel distance if you expect to attend meetings on a regular basis.I would be a bit liberal and visit a number of groups to see which ones you like.

I'm sure it worked for some people but I didn't like it at all.I own a martial arts school and I had a mentor help me out with that.