I've got a lot of balls in the air this year (1) my IT job (2) first year as a Realtor (3) and this project -- I'd say just lowering my expectations on how quickly I'd finish would have been a good start.

After making certain the numbers work and it's a good deal, make certain you have A) a good real estate attorney who will make the buying process easy and not drop the ball B) A really good inspector (even if you know the place is in major need of work having the inspection report is vital - from knowing what you're getting into to having facts when you argue down your property taxes).Finally, to get an idea of repairs you can have a contractor check out the property with you.

Like I said just getting the ball rolling here.

hmmmm.........Anyway, to get back on track he is sending me an appeal application to get the ball rolling. 

Before I ask for quotes from contractors, I want to know the ball park of the cost. 1.

@Chris Ball - it is very possible that the deal is real.

Meeting with a lawyer tomorrow to review paperwork and move towards getting the ball rolling with bank.

Life has a way of throwing curve balls, and it's the same with RE.

This is because my agent does not want to make "low ball" offers because he showed me that in the last 2 years most sales in Orlando. have closed at least 93% of asking price.

Most people with long distance rentals do not make as much money as they would have on stocks.Also, generally if you’re buying and selling a home within 6-12 months, you need to be really on the ball with contractors AND find a GREAT deal otherwise you will lose all your profits in closing costs and rehab. (3-8% to buy, 5-10% to sell).