I don't think I'm ready to go this route yet, but it never hurts to get some extra information...Thanks for sharing your experience,James

I know it's tempting bear the extra travel costs.

Those comps may feel like poor properties to compare to but they are valuable data points.The regression line will answer exactly what the extra 100 sq ft or bedroom is worth!

If you are using the realized equity to acquire good ROI deals, the extra 1.5% margin would just need to be factored into the analysis of those deals.

. - Now with TV shows glamorizing flipping it seems that anyone with a few extra buck is trying to get into the game. 

I know there's a lot about intent, and intent is hard to prove, but in general flips are indeed taxed with an extra 15% self-employment tax if it's considered actively generated income (you're running a small business).

You don’t make enough money to pay someone to run it for you profitably, and if your not willing to put in the extra hours after work once you’ve acquired the unit to get it rent ready and producing, your just fooling yourself.

@Troy Jones Even though it sounds like it may be tougher to find a deal in the market you ideally want to operate in, I would recommend taking the extra time & effort to find a deal in a location/market you are comfortable operating in. 

As a new investor you have to be extra vigilant in your due diligence of the markets, the team you are considering, and the particular properties. 

Initially I paid the 1250 then I had to pay an extra $200 contract fee then after paying the $200 attorney free, and he requested a final fee of $400.