Thanks for your input guys, but neither of you answered the question, which was not a "trick" question Dan.I often am asked by new investors if they should use the services of attorneys, CPAs, etc. or go at it alone until they make enough $ to afford them.That is the common question, not how much financial planners make. the FP was just one of many professional which a person can utilize, I was not specifically referring to them.Any real thoughts on how YOU would answer this question if asked of you by a new investor?

The only hurdle is finding the ability to utilize leverage.

Our landlord pays a portion of the utilities, we've viewed the bills and the usage has been cut in half since we've moved in.

My experience with pet stains has been extensive being that I am a pet owner myself and have had the pleasure of rehabbing a bad smelling pet owner home.

The area can support rents (in a comparable property) of 850-1000$/mo + utils.

HAS ANYONE UTILIZED A LETTER OF CREDIT TO PURCHASE REALESTATE?

My name is Katrise, I am a real estate investor currently in the Baltimore MD area, I focus on Short Sales, Wholesaling and other profitable facets of real estate, I also help other like minded investors get educated on the many different ways so utilize this "bad market" in order to make them the most profit.

I have had a tremendous wholesaling business utilizing the Detroit market the past 6 months.

To utilize cap rates in your favor, you have to really understand cap rates and the market in which you wish to invest.

If you have no revolving debt you need to add a credit card or two, but if you have a few adding more probably won't help your score alot other than by lowering your utilization, the total percentage of available credit being used.