Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m. at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center join SoCT Real Estate Investment Association for a powerful evening with Charles Dobens.If you're starting your multifamily investing business learn how to: Evaluate DealsGrow your portfolioPitch DealsCreate Proof of Funds LetterFinancing TechniquesInsider tips from Multifamily Investing Academy pro, Attorney Charles DobensSincerely, Deirdre Virvo, The Southern Connecticut Real Estate Investment Association Founder/Director at [email protected] Telephone: 203-324-4680 Website: http://www.ctpropertynetwork.com

@Raymond B.Thank you for the tip.

From conversations with the contractors that used to frequent the store, I also have an idea of labor costs in the area.A special thanks for the tips on checking with neighbors, Craigslist and the local paper for rent prices.

Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books Ever How to Rent Your House: The Definitive Step by Step GuideHow to Be a Landlord: Ten Tips for SuccessSee you around!

I also find knowing the landscape of your peers is invaluable to success and I know we all want to be successful. 

If it's low equity I generally show them -Selling w an agent, paying 8 to 12 per cent in not just commissions but closing costs, sellers concessions, waiting to sell costs, like PITI and utilities, and spruce up costs like fresh paint or mild landscaping-Renting, paying a property manager, risking damage and eviction costs, lost rent-option one - Owner finance - I take over PITI and maintenance -option two - I find a lease 2 own buyer for free, 24 payments, then house mortgage is paid off, you pay insurance and maintenance Seller picks his solution If he picks option 1 or option 2, I tell him how fast I can do it, and I dictate terms, I am the solution provider

Some roofers are careless and on even the calmest days they will leave a mess on the surroundings, especially on any nearby landscaping (bushes and shrubs) and getting that all cleaned up might not be something you'll see them do.

Any tips?

I working on becoming familiar with the real estate landscape in my area, but am also interested in investing from a far; it's more about the numbers than the location.  

@Drew MacDermott thanks for the tip about the fireplace!