I think there is a reasonable chance the property will be vandalized while vacant.If it can pass those two tests, I'll buy in that location...

The principals all seem legit so it passes the sniff test thus far.If anyone has dealt with these guys I would love to hear about it.

(Ownership test)You also must have lived in the home at least 2 years in the last 5 years.

But before you take the time to begin an organic campaign it makes a lot of sense to split test and refine your landing page with ppc traffic.

I'm confident that I'll pass the school/state licensing exam tests.

I am sure it will be a crap appraisal or a really old one.200k is way overpriced.Rents of 600 may not be accurate if it stays vacant.The problem with 1 to 4 units is they don't typically use the income approach when doing appraisals.All you can do is wish them well as say you are firm on your price.There are investors everyday paying over a price you would pay.They might be testing you to see how far you will come up.Give highest and best and move on to other properties and they might come back around.No matter WHO the seller is they have to go through a selling cycle to arrive at a point where they are willing to play ball.If they find a buyer willing to pay higher than you it wasn't meant to be.

I'd hate to be the test kitty :)

Had I known then what I know now---to always bring a screw driver to poke at any possible surfaces, any wood, any stairwell, any gaps, to test the integrity of the wood/coatings--I could have discovered what is a very common problem of dry rot/water damage.

Also do some split testing.

I only cared about the lines that showed my profit :) I only care now because I'm getting my license and will need to pass the test.