I live in Evergreen, CO and just started a real estate investing group with my business partner @Max Grenader.

If you see pictures of checks and the guru in some tropical vacation spot in that presentation you're being sold a dream.

I'm leaning towards the first idea personally but I wasn't sure if sacrificing the bedroom would be worth it.2 - There is a large evergreen right smack in the middle of the front yard as well is multiple large shrubs against the front of the house.

I'm a newbie, as well, and live up in Evergreen.

@Steve FischerNot sure what area you are in but check out http://www.scannelllaw.com/ (located in the Beverly/Evergreen area)This guy is the best and the main reason im turnning this into a business.

Boxwoods and any evergreens.

One thing no one has mentioned is that if the street/neighborhood happens to get hit hard by flooding, tropical storms, tornadoes, brushfires etc. you could be screwed, at least temporarily.

I'm part of tropical REIA that meets in boynton beach, but there are ones in Boca, West Palm and Broward as well.Additionally, there is a group of us that meetup the first Saturday of every month in Delray to talk real estate.  

which is a whole other subject3) if you don't have a contract with the seller first, you are violating Occupational Code if you aren't an agent. 4) depends on the situation5) The owner does normally but if you are doing a SLO I'd use Evergreen note Servicing or someone similar to pay it. 

Evergreen Bank and TCF in IL go up to 90% for HELOCs.