I don't necessarily think it's unethical, but on the other hand I do think it's better to follow the established protocol and go through the property management company.

Real estate "cycles" have less influence on properties in well established and stable environments.

If you have an established business which rely on line of credit to survive (buying materials, providing maintenance, etc) then you can easily loose your business should something goes wrong with your real estate investment.

Establish the same sort of DTI limits for cars and credit cards as for home loans.

Calif.) for my market these are the mechanics that have worked for me:•Establish the criteria for my previously qualified Buyer (REO’s, Short Sale, Price range, area, type of property, etc.)•Talk to Loan officer about: Down payment, Closing Costs, Rate, Monthly Payment, type of Loan. •Set up my local MLS with client’s criteria and the system will automatically select properties.•Revise properties manually and start showing to clients.•Once my client likes a property, then I work getting comp’s, client gets estimates for Repairs (only if property needs).•Write up an offer taking in consideration the points above mentioned, Lenders in some cases are asking for cross-qualification, before submitting an offer.•If offer ends up as one of the finalist (only when the property is price right), Lenders gets back with a Counter Offer and Sellers Addendums.•If your Agent keeps communicating with Listing Agent and responds fast, then you’ll get your offer accepted, after that time to get in Escrow.You may need to call local Buyer’s agents before you decide.Noe R.

Before you go looking, establish with a local lender what you will qualify to purchase.

Originally posted by Tom Cullen:Whatever we did prior to establishing the FED (and starting the income tax) in 1913 can't be much worse than what we have now.Since I wasn't around then, I can't really compare it to today.

I live in NC and I am trying to establish myself as a Real Estate Investor specializing in Lease Options.

My clients are mostly in Europe and I found that HSBC has a Premier Account that can establish accounts in both countries, Simplifying the transfers in both directions and Rental Income payment.

LLC rules are established at the state level and may differ, whereas the corporation, while also established at the state level has much more understanding and case law to establish a firm understanding of the asset protection it provides.