@Brian Ky  I have read the book  but I'm not sure if I should approach an owner about the information I need to analyze their property or wait until I have the money assessable. 

Assessments of high-priced urban land.

The seller wanted $10k and the assessed value was at $15k.

Be honest with your assessment of yourself, and maintain it through whatever path of REI you venture into.

That is true Jason you can use the income to help qualify but more importantly the income or determined market income of the 4 units assumed all be rented has to exceed the full monthly mortgage nut of the entire building in lending we call it PITIA or principal/interest/taxes/insurance/assessments.

Hello my name is Michael new to BP here to offer comprehensive services in landscaping in property management tons message or ask a question for more details if you something down for your property value just ask!!!!

While I'm aware of some of the pitfalls and potential downside (especially with complex regulations and compliance issues), I'd really appreciate any and all opinions and facts that discuss installment contracts as good, bad, ugly (and other) so that I can view and assess this strategy from a diversity of viewpoints and experiences.Any thoughts, BP Nation?

Ask them to take pics and send them to you so you can assess what's being repaired and what you are being charged for when repairs are needed.Also you gotta make sure they are not the type of PM's that rely on you NOT showing up to the property and keeping them honest.

I was perusing my portfolio and took a peek at what zillow had them valuedI compared this with what the county had assessed as real value for tax purposes they were all off by 10,000   plus or minus from each othermy thought was that the county may inflate the valuebut in some instances zillow was a bit higher than the county on a couple of propertiesanyone else have a handle on how to read between the lines of these numbersto get a quick guestimate. without getting to heavily involved with comps.

Thanks so much for the info and the comprehensive reply!