Cap rates of 6-12% seem to float around.Then, as far as buying a business, it is common to buy in multiples of earnings, ie. 2x-5x earnings, or more or less depending on the industry.Now, I was once looking to buy a convenience store (franchise) and it seemed as if I'd be buying around 2.5 times earnings, so higher than a 6-12% cap rate, but obviously that makes sense because it is much more work than a semi-passive apartment complex with a manager, or something along those lines.

The seller is not very motivated at all to negotiate and seemed surprised and worried about the DOS clause when I mentioned it.For tenant screening I use Airfactz out of Spokane, WA.

Gas stations, elevators, convenience stores, Starbucks, fast-food places, you name it, if there are people around I'm 10 second pitchn'n them!

The surprising fact is that I had the realist of intentions to do so.

Oliver - obviously, you are not getting responses related to your original post inquiring about which circulars to advertise in order to attract sellers (presumably, owners who wish to sell or perhaps had not considered selling until reading your ad).I don't know the Portland, OR area that well (however I do know where to stay and where to eat) however the quick and cheap way to find free circulars is to visit supermarkets and convenience stores to locate the giveaway pubs offered.

My advice:Being in the Triangle, start going to the main TREIA meeting and any sub-group(s) that you find convenient or beneficial (http://www.treia.com).  

My purpose for using clearnow is ease and convenience of getting rent deposits.  

short sales DO take forever but its one of those things that once you get it done, you move on and work on more deals, then when the check comes in, its like a nice surprise bonus :)but you essentially run your scenario by the agent (find someone who specializes in short sales though) then the agent should be able to direct you from there.  

Although, when selling its more convenient because of the resources that help to sell my property of home.

I'm not surprised one bit about being held at gunpoint but, being a native to Detroit, I'm pretty aware of the "hot spots" :)@Nick Keesee Holding would be amazing but, i agree, the price for upkeep along with the price for rehab would be pretty high.