Hello Everyone, Here is an article I put together a while back detailing a very basic understanding of the sales comparasion appraisal method (in other words, how to read and understand sales comps.)

Basically I run down all of the local research for your property leads.Property Analysis (or Property Consultation) ServiceThe service includes:-An inspection of the subject and surrounding neighborhood-Exterior and interior pictures of the subject and pictures of surronding neighborhood-A detailed report containing the following information: **All the property details and tax information **Title Search **List of local comparables and an estimate of market value **A detailed list of needed repairs **Suggestions for upgrades worth considering **Suggestions for what the property will be best used for (Fix/Flip, Rental, Lease Option) **A list of financing options and costs of each **Rental cashflow analysis (if needed)Cost of service is $100 per houseTurnaround time is 24 to 48 hours.Not trying to play on anyone's emotions, just trying to offer a helpping hand for anyone who wants or needs it.

I'm looking for a book that covers topics on how to locate the best properties to flip, how to maximize your profit from specific renos, how to market your properties yourself, and basically a top to bottom strategic guide on flipping properties.

Often you can get a ballpark number from a contractor giving him basic details of what you want done including things like how much square footage you are talking about, quality of materials, and any other important details for a particular project.

Is this basically a no-go for most rehabbers or is it something that you would consider if the price is right?

Basically, I would find them a lessee for a small fee.

Do some basic analysis (rent for the market and/or ARV) and if it looks like a deal then offer it to your investors for a finder's fee.

But the hard part is I want to live in a nice area and nice areas tend to be much harder to get positive cash flow (assuming I imagine I'm paying myself normalized rent prices for that area).If cash flow is so important, which it is to me since I'm basically trying to build up capital for future investments, maybe it's better if I rent some place cheap with friends and buy a less expensive property in an area I don't want to live (really south when I'm trying to stay closer north).

Basically I was hoping for a little input on if making a LLC for my partner and I is the best route, or is there a better alternative?

after that's out of the way, i'd like to jump back into the REI educational process and start buying more for the return/income stream.Can someone point me to a forum or a book to read that can help me with such a basic transaction?