I have been using the following terms as a benchmark for our potential private investors in order to analyze returns. 

the formula works in any market and in any area with single family homes.70% of ARV - Repair costs gives you your maximum allowable offer (MAO) this formula determines the amount of hidden equity in your target single family home and will be your benchmark to see if you have a deal on your hands or not.

A benchmark rate is much easier and sellable on the secondary market since most of these loans are sold. 

Each exchange still has it's unique timing benchmarks that require close attention but moving your portfolio in both type and number is easily doable using 1031 exchanges.

This safe harbor serves two bench marks:1.

The problem with almost any easy get rich quick scheme is that they don't work, and this one fits that bill.Rather than looking at a simple rule like that, look at it this way; can you add value to the property you're looking to buy, and if so, can you add enough value that your returns (including your own time spent on it) beat a common benchmark like the S&P?

Great advise on the $1,000 worth of work a day regarding hiring contractors, and that is a very sound benchmark to go by.

They realize that they will just pay the taxes if they cannot find property that meets their financial benchmarks.  

By being a person first and use respect and direct communication has been helpful for us.What would be a reasonable time frame and benchmarks for getting this situation cleaned up?  

That being said we do know that the Federal Reserve is committed to keeping the benchmark Fed Funds rate near 0 for the foreseeable future.