Although not seen as a win from some, 10K is better than a sharp stick in the eye.

., great idea about keeping my eyes open and being ready to move quickly when I spot a great deal.

I also have to continue holding the property in my name until 6 months is up, at which time I can switch it to the LLC... which I hear is against the rules of the loan but the banks turn a blind eye to.

I do have lots of handymen and other helpers, but the numbers just don't work to use a PM.I had one when I had nine units, but under his watchful eye, half of my tenants paid late, and the other half didn't pay at all.  

If you do go the chemical route, make sure you have good gloves, a respirator, glasses (a splash or drop in your eye will be a memorable experience) and a strong back.  

For example I'm eyeing this property that has a starting bid of 20,000 but the Total estimate dept $38,769.59.. would I pay the 20,000 + 38,769.59?

Take a few minutes to close your eyes and breath deeply in through your nose and into your stomach, lungs, and throat and hold for 3 seconds and exhale through the nose.

This is the art of assessing the value and while excess land is worth less, don't misunderstand, there is value, what that might be is in the eye of the beholder.

By signing the affidavit you are saying you intend to occupy the property which gives you a better rate but then doing a bait and switch on the lender is fraudulent in their eyes.

I don't have it yet but I have my eye on lead propeller.