, but theres no clear formula that i can find that says buy at “30 years”.  

(I tried to explain how to analyze a house using the formulas from the book while he spewed numbers, though sorta close, out.

I learned the vocabulary associated with RE and some of the important formulas that are used to calculate Rate of Return, NOI, Amortization etc. 

However, one of the most effective ways to learn is by using the age old formula:'ready, fire, aim'Which means you gotta get in there and make things happen.  

well that's easy either short sale or lose money if he has equity or rent it .. and hopefully it pays for itself.. are you looking for some magic formula here.. real estate is simply basic numbers.

And values are set from a formula 2 years prior to current year.

Call Bill - agent 443-xxx-xxxGive CMA and comps as you need themLook at properties first - give you their opinion of valueMeet with you as often as necessary to discuss potential transactionsTell you why or why not you should make offers on buildingsMake a mailing on selected neighborhoodsInform you of property auctions and give you value opinion Advertise your needs on Internet sitesUse Power Prospecting to find cash flow or equity profit transactionsAs a broker and auctioneer and investors for over 40 years - I understand the culture, the mind set and motivation of agents.They usually will only offer you properties that are listed - They don't understand Fidusiary Buyer's Brokering and getting paid by you the buyer (You will make more money faster with unlisted deals)They don't have or like to spend their money to satisfy your needsThey want to make a sale as quickly as possible regardless if you benefitMost don't understand the many creative formulas necessary to develop a profit for youMost don't know how to negotiate seller financing or the many clauses used in contract engineering Disclosure - agents are good people who don't get respect from their customers; sellers and buyers are always looking for ways to cut the agent out of their feeYou need to know that finding the agent I have described is not going to be easy - you will be misunderstood and dismissed - expect that - but don't give up.You should ......Have a well written agreement of representation - to pay them a fee on properties they help you buy - control or assign. 

One simple formula aided me: Return on Equity.

The formula hasn't changed in a few hundred years.Good thread, guys.

Do wholesalers know that formula and not care?