You could throw out an ad that your looking to hire for a bog renovation, and contractors can do estimates on XYZ day between XXX too XXX and to e-mail with credentials for address. more then getting numbers, you will get free ideas, and possibly a solution you never saw.

Originally posted by Craig E.:... including punitive damages and discipline by the DRE.Does that involve paddling in a candlelit dungeon by nondescript functionaries hooded in Trappist monk robes?

. §§ 109(g), 362(d) and (e).

Also if you use multiple e-mail adresses you can post multiple per day.

The 50% is a guideline more than a rule.The way a lender,buyer,and a seller look at NOI are all different.What I mean is a lender will often base their underwriting criteria for doing a loan not based on actual numbers but the lenders numbers based on if they took the property back.Example:I buy an apartment building.I do the property management so I save 10%.The lender will factor in the area average regardless of what the schedule E returns from the seller say.If they take it back they will pay someone else to run it.So all these parties will view a property from a different perspective.If you can appeal and reduce takes that will increase NOI.If you can get a fire-dwelling policy for a house that is cheaper on a group of quad's you purchase versus a commercial policy.Some of these apply to commercial more than residential.I don't automatically discount a property based on the 50% guideline.If everything has just been replaced and my exit is in 3 to 4 years then the updating and expense will be on the next purchaser.Plus if for instance my properties are being redeveloped and torn down I am not going to put much money into them.I will keep them liveable for the short term knowing I am being bought out.

Just to give the rest of this story (in case anyone was thinking of trying this) - the guy lost the house and there are people being prosecuted for trying this stunt.From the AP:FLOWER MOUND, Texas (AP) — After paying $16 to file a one-page claim to an empty, $340,000 home in an upscale Dallas suburb, Kenneth Robinson moved in furniture, hung a "No Trespassing" sign in the front window and invited television cameras inside for a tour.He quickly turned into something of a local celebrity, creating a website, http://16dollarhouse.com , where he sold an e-book and offered training sessions for would-be squatters.

Multi-member LLC's can help with the reduction of IRS audit exposure since 8825(rental property form for a partnership) is audited a lot less than a schedule e(rental property form for an individual/sole propriertorship)So while you may not have all the asset protection you want, A good multi-member LLC with a carefully drafted operating agreement and an umbrella insurance policy, is the best shot out there for a Landlord

If you have invested in any R/E investment education you will hear about many strategies and in most cases the information is condensed over 3 days.

I would also look at inexpensive no-frills windows instead of premium high-dollar low-e exotic glazing.

Also, print off an IRS 1040 schedule d or e or whichever it is and read the instructions on how to report rental income.