This is a combination of the climate, condition of the property, and the quality of the property manager. • Stable or growing job market - Rental property profitability is dependent on a stable job market.

A foreclosure could have been caused by the economic downturn, in combination with sub-prime lending ... there was a lot that went on that a lot of people were affected by. 

Those also led to other sources, attorneys, accountants, trust administrators, hospitals, nursing homes and estate managers.It's unfair to put a note investor or Realtor or contractor dealing in notes in comparison as to size or scope or even as to the latitude of transactions with me, not bragging but I was in a very unique position.

I think a passion for the business, combined with hard work and surrounding yourself with the right team and mentors are the key ingredients.With respect to real estate crowdfunding, you should search the discussions and forums - there is a wealth of information from folks much better informed than I.        

Our combined income is mediocre to say the least (85k/year, soon to be 95 - 100k) and have one car payment (300/m) and some cc debt (10k).We felt that we had a a unique situation on our hands because of the equity we have on our home, so we decided to do some researching in Real Estate investing and came to the conclusion of doing a HELOC and investing in SFH in Lancaster or Palmdale, CA.Chase, our lender only approved us for 40k with the condition to pay off our debt and car loan which only leaves us with around 6k.We are thinking about Lancaster and Palmdale because there are some properties that will fits our budget and fall within the 1 - 2% rule.Any advice?

Finishes and features that make a property unique really sell. 

Ever situation is unique.  

This is a particularly loaded question I know.....I'm in the Chicago metro/urban markets btw so our situation is unique.

This is already well above average of the area, however the property is unique in the way that it has a 150 foot driveway pushing it far off the street and giving it a very safe and and secluded feel.

And upon viewing many of the Principal Offices, there are a reasonable number that match UPS Store addresses or other addresses that don't uniquely identify an establishment.