I thought I would poke my head in here.It has been my direct experience that negotiating DIRECTLY with the seller re: selling on terms is the way to go.Having an agent negotiate for me is usually not the way to go.My 2 cents.Also, the motivation of the seller is as important as the finance details of the deal.Do not ever talk money or terms unless you understand the WHIFFMs of the seller (what is in it for me).

Just prohibit yourself from being overwhelmed.Even though I'm still learning I didn't hesitate to get into my first deal which is in the process.When anything ever comes into your head or something you're reading, such as a term being unfamiliar, research it right away and make sure you learn it.

Putting a roof over you head continues to escalate while take-home pay declines - renting or buying.Someday, there must be a correction, especially for those who can no longer afford to live.

They will know and can head you in the right direction.

Erin,Your local investor associations generally have a list of different contractors for investors to use.Companies that cater to investors understand you are searching for 2 things.

. - Perhaps some concerns about tenants putting money into the property and somehow getting some vested interest in the property.I would say that the contractor doing a bad job is the most likely.I've head of tenants doing some upgrades and it going well.

Get active in your local real estate investing associations near you and learn as much as you can.

You'll be headed in the right direction.

Those other bills are "optional" and don't jeopardize the roof over your head.

That's $300 in lawn care ($25 per week to mow), $900 in mortgage, 1/4 of the annual tax bill (guessing here) $300.Holding Costs = $1,500You're now up to $31,500 in associated costs to the buyer.