(I would prefer to start local before trying to purchase RE remotely)Thanks!

Dont drink anything but water, preferably filtered, not distilled.

10K is may be too much for an assignment fee on that.To me you should be getting ATLEAST $2,000 per, but I prefer making atleast$5,000 assignment fee, I uslaly as a standard start at $5,000, if it looks like I have a great deal and can make more, GREAT.

We are relocating and prefer to lease before we commit to a home.

It almost seems as if this is what the law prefers investors to do.

After completion of the short sale, I would prefer to sell the property for a profit but MD has a state law that requires Foreclosure Purchasers to pay the original homeowner 82% of the net proceeds if sold within 18 months of a foreclosure reconveyance.

obviously the rents are premium priced for short stays/furnished places.I have heard success stories from those renting out middle/high end places to professionals, executives, etc who will be in an area for a month or two, and don't want a hotel lifestyle.Those types 'generally' cause a lot less trouble than most rental niches it seems.I'm quite interested in this as well, and am leaning towards it for my REI because I can then have some vacation homes for myself as well :)

I know Fannie Mae prefers 10% of offer compared to $500 which normally works with other REO offers.PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND WITH BOOK KNOWLEDGE!

Can you just ask him what he would prefer you to do?

Ask your local real estate professionals that work in the areas your interested in the niche you are interested in working and ask them where they buy their leads.