These aren't always obvious, and certainly aren't always the same as the neighborhood divisions or major streets.If you can't just drive to the area, get on a plane and rent a car.Note that I do believe in the "super crunching" sites like cyberhome and zillow do to try to get their estimates.

I do think that some form of our system is beneficial.I also think that the majority don't understand the system & could care less what is going on in the big picture.

That information simply does not exist and many (most) investors don't understand operating expenses themselves, let alone have accurate records for their property.Finally, the vast majority of newbies fail in this business and the majority of rentals in the US are owned by individuals.

Improvements, like an addition or major remodeling would increase your basis.

Because, a) it isn't really an issue and b) it never was an issue.The vast majority of small investors buying houses use creative financing.

See at the end of the day it is about how you run your business and if you want to wait for everyone else to start marketing then you are going to miss out on a MAJOR marketing campaign.If you are a true real estate investor, then you have to think outside of the box and in the economy we are in I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE.

On the upside being close to major metro areas (Washington DC?)

You are correct when you said that the majority of these people will not buy the property.

In major markets that I focus on, this is a pretty good one.

Hopefully you learn how to think in college and that will be a major benefit.