The beauty, and danger, of real estate investment lies in the fact that it is as much 'art' as it is 'science'.

Steve:I understand that 25-yr may be more common (in certain areas), but 30-yr amortizations are available and not terribly scarce (in our experience).That aside, the purpose of my prior quip was to emphasize that amortization and term are distinct.  

I know for a fact that space heating with the hot water tank is legal here as long as the circulator is nonferrous, but many heating people nationally are horrified and say it's dangerous.  

They are essentially toddlers playing with fire or some other dangerous entity.IMO, a "good" landlord will educate their tenants prior to having them pursue this path.

Couple thingsGet inspector in there and there may be more problems than you think be secure in certain about how much work that needs to be doneYou can't rent a defective property or dangerous propertyWhen I have a minor rehab I might do a joint venture with the seller, Buy subject to, get private money to fix the property up, list it, sell it, and take a JV fee of say 5000 to 10,000You could offer the commission to the current agentYou go be very cautious with subject to The bank can call the loan due at any timeI hope that helps just p.m. me because every deal is different

We all have to strike a balance now between realism and the dangers of optimism and pessimism.Moneypoint, thank you for your thoughtful words.

Very dangerous if I make a mistake.But it was the easiest money I've ever made in my life, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

never"...that dangerous word never will realtors go away virtually all have the same argument.

I think we have two distinctive markets at play here the INVESTOR bombed out house market or heavy rehab market and the Nice home being sold to a homeowner that can qualify... those are two vastly different sellers and buyers of course. 

I can still recall when I was young and knew just enough to be dangerous - a Legend in My Own Mind.Age, education, and experience do have benefits.If I may add to your list, I have thoroughly enjoyed Jimmy Napier from Chipley, Florida over the many years.