Then, just allow for some unknown in your budget (I use 10%-15% of total rehab as a contingency expense.

Unable to move forward, fear of the unknown or of making a costly mistake, “don’t know where to start”?

There is a bit of a risk involved (not able to see/inspect the property - rehab values somewhat unknown, past due due HOA fees etc.) to get that built in equity so not overbidding is key. 

There are a lot of unknowns when buying an existing rental.

@Marc Rice Re: MA - While you're correct on the owner being responsible for previous sellers' lead exposure you are not required at all to perform a lead paint inspection and most home still remain unknown status even with transfer of ownership. 

Maybe more percentage of unknown into my equation would help this out.

It has been around for many years, however, since real estate itself was "hot" for many years, the surplus fund business has been relatively unknown but to a few of us.I disagree that "only the gurus are making money".

It always does.To what extent and when exactly is unknown, but I suspect soon.

I'm oversimplifying it a bit, and there are unknowns too.Such as: how much will this slow down your ability to invest in OTHER deals as they come up?

All completely unknown to me.