Great analysis, Ken.I happen to live in probably the worst location for foundation problems in Dallas County - Las Colinas.

Knowledge,I'm currently working on an apartment rehab in Baltimore, as well as concentrating on some purchases in PG County.

If you are a Realtor in San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Contra Costa County or Marin County, please email me:[email protected] need comps and agents to do deals.

keiththekid:DO NOT use a county appraisal as a determing factor of what the market value of a house may be, period.

I am just starting out in real estate and I wanted to offer this site for help with getting the auditors office in each county through out the US. http://www.netronline.com Also I wanted to ask if there are any resources that any other members use to find out information about the properties such as any liens on the deed and finding out if the previous owner had a mortgage and things of that nature.

I've read that the payout ratio on title insurance is ludicrously low - would it be cheaper to simply self-insure and do the raw research myself (go to the county courthouse and verify good title)?

I toyed with rehabbing it completely as a 3/1 and reselling it but after talking to people who didn't buy it because it only had 1 bathroom I am adding a bath reluctantly.No one wants a 3/1 in our market and all of the county assessor comps in the area are 3/2's.

The house was bought at 79,000 we will buy it for 88,000 but the county last appraised to for 121,000.

you don't have to use websites to find auction info.check your local newpapers - LEGAL NOTICES - they'll be listed there.additionally, you can register with the county for what are called, "estate sales" - these are not foreclosures, but they are auctions for real and personal property that the county conducts.the county does not conduct foreclosures.

Not only do we invest, and desire to learn about investments in other parts of the county...but...we also sell investment properties.Best wishes to all!