Another question (along the lines of this topic) for experienced property owners...I used the 50% rule for SFH, and I do a much more detailed analysis for any buildings over 5 units, but I'm not really sure how to evaluate expenses for 2-4 unit properties (duplexes, triplexes, quad-plexes).I imagine there are some economies of scale for multiple units in a single building, but certainly not to the degree of an apartment building.Do you guys use the 50% rule for 2-4 units?

Get multiple contractors to come out and let them know that you are having a couple of recommended contractors getting estimates for you.Remember the lowest bid isn't always the best.Many times after you have the written estimates in hand you can go back to the one you liked the best and ask them if they will match the other guys price.You also want to make sure they have insurance and are licensed.

I know I want to build my net worth for the future but I can't live by the skin of my teeth like my current landlord is.

I've spoken to multiple brokers who've told me my deal is a home run, only to have them use a lot of time and strike out.

Has anyone (or anyone you know) experienced success doing what the gurus suggest and sending multiple letters of intent?

A few suggestions which I think would enhance biggerpockets (some taken from vBulletin), in no particular order:* multi-quote - the ability to select multiple posts for quoting* kudos - ability to register approval of a post, or agreement with a point, and then count these and somehow rate posters - just provides more incentive to share and try to be constructive and helpful * ability to view the forum in wide screen format (maybe you can but I can't see how - the forum text only takes up about 30% of the width of my screen)* more/better emoticons - happy to suggest some if you like ;)* also I'd like emoticons inserted where the cursor is, rather than always at the end of the text (ie if you edit and want to insert an emoticon in an earlier para, you seem to be only able to do it by cutting and pasting the emoticon, which is always inserted at the very end of the whole post)* I imagine this is related to the fact that whenever you format some text, your cursor is moved to the very end of the post; I'd rather the cursor be left where it was just prior to applying formatting (eg bold)* ability to report/hide abusive posts, to try and stop conversations degenerating into slanging matches :roll: Love the forum - thanks, Josh.

If you are not in your local MLS (Multiple Listing Service), listed with an agent, you may not get found.

Reason why is there could be multiple answer for that question, the answer depends on what are the state law in regards to Foreclosure.

If you applied both strategies simultaneously, you could buy multiple at a time now while RE is "on sale" and when it starts to climb down the road, you will have the advantage of many properties gaining appreciation.

Generally you would like to have multiple sources, or streams, of income.