Wish I knew more about the fine points of purchasing REOs from auction sites (we are in the thick of one deal now that hasn't closed yet), and deed/title issues, which is likely the next shoe to drop in our process.Thanks for the great advice I've already gathered, and more to come!  

But in real estate, and any business for that matter you have to have a thick skin.  

The Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has a thick paragraph of (to me) inscrutable legalese defining who is a "real estate broker".  

Key is to read and understand the thickness on it.

-thick plywood tray with a circular cutout that corresponds with the diameter of the duct mounted below it.

How thick do we need to go?

Looking at comps, we had a good idea that we could make a small profit renting, and liked the idea of keeping a house in case things fell through.After living here in Columbia for a year in a rental and saving up some cash, we have bought a second home and are 1 month in now, and are in the thick of remodeling.

Anyway - I've put a weight on the end (or not) of it if the obstruction is thick and drop it down the duct and holding on to it at the top.1) You can shake or twirl the chain and that might do the trick.2) Attach the brush made for cleaning dryer vents at the bottom end and pull it up and down a few times.  

The drainage was exceptional as the entire basement even at that entrance was completely dry.From the basement the flooring support beams were welded 8inch steel trusses on 24inch centers supported on 12inch steel I Beams with a flange & web thickness running at least 3/4-1inch.

You don't want the paint to be too thick or uneven or it will not close correctly.