You also have the ability to sign up for Lifestyles Quest, an online tool that imports data from the MLS for comps, rent comps etc and formulates the final estimated numbers on the deal that you are looking at.

It helps to have a strategic advantage to source deals such as finding a property that is run down or needs updating.

Some people use the short sale strategically, and it can actually make a lot of sense if you are ok with credit score dropping 100 points, and waiting 2-3 years for repair (if you do what you are told by a loan officer/credit counselor).  

I am interested in developing a strategic approach, sharpening my research, and gaining cash flow over time through additional property acquisitions.

.), a bunch of idiots "strategically default" and allow their homes to go into foreclosure, and those foreclosed upon people are your new tenant applicants.There are a lot of BP members on here that purchased in 2007, rode the storm for a decade, and are now sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars of equity. 

Down money is not really my concern or an issue, just trying to strategically get approved.

In an ideal situation—which definitely rewards and is largely the product of vision, strategic planning, and forethought—one would avoid saving a few nickels today at the expense of saving dollars tomorrow.

Any recommendations for smart and strategic real estate agents in Baltimore or Houston?  

I was looking up strategic foreclosures (long story that includes 1.

In that situation, I believe your assets will have to go through probate, which is a complicated and expensive process that could be avoided if you took title strategically initially .