@Mark Douglas There are deals to be found in every market cycle.

We found a hard money lender who has historically given both 5 year notes with a 25 year amortization as well as 25 year fixed.

Congratulations, you have found one of the most valuable free resources on the internet for real estate investors new and old.

Most importantly we found a great home at a very reasonable $119/sq ft that is 5 years old with several upgraded features we couldn't touch in Dripping Springs.  

I think sending mailers to a specific group of sellers will be the best way to find off market deals with my criteria, and I am trying to learn the process and would love suggestions on search criteria that have been helpful when creating sellers lists, and what list broker you found most helpful.Oak Park, ILJefferson Park, ChicagoWicker Park, ChicagoBucktown, ChicagoLogan Square, ChicagoHumbolt Park, Chicago (nicer east pockets by Wicker Park)Hazel Crest, ILHomework, ILFloosmoor, ILTinley Park, IL"Northwest Indiana".. not that familiar to be honestWhere in greater Chicago am I skipping?

Hi BP,I'm excited to have found Bigger Pockets and have been on a BP podcast binge for two weeks now.

I found a duplex on Zillow and the prior purchase price was 96k assuming they had a 80% mortgage they should owe about 71k on the property which is close to the asking price of 74k.

Let me give you a scenario...I'm looking for my first deal and think I found a property that meets my ROI numbers and I want to move forward. 

With this latest property, I want to learn the ropes so I advertised and found a nice young married couple who can afford the rent.Move in day is tomorrow, and we set up the time for the walk-through for late-afternoon.

Recently I have found it aggravating to deal with having to meet prospective tenants to hand deliver applications, or dealing with those who don't know how to edit an emailed PDF application and return.