Do you have the skills to fix things yourself or estimate (any construction or rehab background)?

Some background on the neighborhood/city: most of the properties were built in the early 1900’s, approximately 60% of the residences are rentals and it is rare to find anything built after World War II.

I assume this came up because you said you'd do a criminal background check?

The beauty is that its twice as nice of a deal for real estate investors in that end of year is also end of the quarter all wrapped up together.

I have no background so I plan on scouring this site and the local library to learn as much as possible.

Background: I have an alert set to notify me when a deposit takes place on any day other than the first of the month.

Another beautiful thing was during the time I wasn't getting deals, I was still saving my money.Be patient, continue to look, be ready to act fast, consider expanding your search, check your expectations for your market, etc.

HOw do you do a background check?

In the case of an unemployed tenant I don't bother with the collection agency, but I still file it all with the courts so anyone doing a background check or credit check will see the eviction and unpaid amounts.I'm tired of taking a hit by these tenants, so I'm making sure all my existing tenants understand that there are consequences for not paying your rent and breaking a lease.

Once again, too much government regulation, particularly by an agency with no mortgage background or experience, is bad, bad, bad.