I cant find the contact information for a lot of the owners, so I have been considering creating a custom mailer for each property owner to inquire about purchasing their property.

This one will help you get insight on where you want to go, and what you want a VA for.I've used Fiverr.com to get one time help with jobs from people (SEO research, logo design, blog post writing).I've used OnlineJobs.ph for hiring more long term help .. people posting Craigslist ads or answering calls for me.Both are nice because with Fiverr.com you don't have to train someone to do something for you -- just tell them what you're looking for.

They are both solid, reputable firms with reasonable fees and good customer service.  

Probate is a legal document.Spec is short for speculative.Spec houses is a custom home on a site built from a unique set of plans for a specific client.REO is Real Estate OwnedI'm looking forward to being one of your accountability partners.                               

@Amit M. we also only like to use Quartz for custom counter tops in our kitchens because of the maintenance factor.  

I use Podio because it's Free (they do have pay levels, but I don't need that) and I can customize it to exactly how I do business.  

On occasion, I have also asked for last month's rent if a potential tenant looks good, but is moving in from out of state and has not secured a job yet.And, while I think first month's rent and security equal to first month's is pretty typical, I'm sure there are some areas where local customs can also demand last month's rent and/or a higher or lower security deposit.In my current city of NOLA, some of the big apartment complexes will run "move in" specials. 

I talked to an attorney and considered trying to get out of the deal but my partner convinced me to stick with it trying to convince me we stumbled on a gold mind.We mowed the waist high grass $200, pulled all the trash and carpet out of units $1,250, fixed the broken windows with plexiglass and silicone caulk $750, copied the logo off the Sheriff Office Web site and made some official looking documents that said area was being patrolled by Drug Special Interdiction Unit $.15.

Since I coach nationally I need to be abreast of what states are more difficult than others as far assigning paperworkDev Horn, Correct me if I'm wrong but in Texas you can assign a lease or purchase agreement or option agreement no problem without a licenseBut it's always helpful to be licensed says you can use a listing as a possible tool when talking to the seller and also get referrals from other licensed agents about problem properties, especially with low equity pretty housesReal Estate is local with local customs

I have complained to Appfolio customer support to no apparent avail.