It is very late and I need to run, but I wanted to refer you to an article I wrote: Assembling Your Real Estate Investing Team.This should help you to get a better idea of who you want and need to have around.

. $100 or so if they refer someone to us that ends up renting.

Lets us prove to you that we are for real, that we want your participation, and in return, we will pay you for business you refer, AND we will refer business to you.

If you or your client are recieving payments from a business, commercial or real estate investment and would like to recieve cash for their seller-financed loan, I can help you find a solution.

With that info you can ask for references, check public records, and make a more informed decision.I would feel more comfortable if they were experienced in the following areas:Local/state laws and ordinancesBudget managementFinancial analysis/projectionsEvictions/CollectionsLeasing proceduresProperty maintenanceMarketing/Advertising for new tenantsTaking it a step further, you can even request pictures, brochures, etc.of any properties they are currently managing.

Alternate solution get hooked up with a local realtor as part of you team.

What Grant Program are your refering to??

Should I budget money aside just incase of these thingsWhat you are referring to is called 'Reserve', and is a very important financial consideration for rental property.

There's lots of data available in reference to the highest rates of appreciation in the U.S.

Its people doing what you want to learn to do.In reference to the auctions, just go and observe.