I realize these types of list takes time to obtain, but they will be much more effective since most investors are mailing to the easy to get lists (absentee, high equity, etc.).2) There has been a lot of competition in direct mail over the past few years.  

So the competition here is quite excruciatingly painful to swallow, and not even factoring in the commute and the bubble over price rent.So back to the story, after 2years of saving my money i was able to begin my process in fixing the home I bought which was sitting there not doing anything for 2years (I was scared to rent it out to people I didn’t know, and felt it was not livable condition).

I think if I shop around I can do better, but I want to know who is competitive before running my credit.I have 2 properties I plan to make offers on.

Although there are opportunities in this competitive market, I know it puts me in a less favorable position vs. other investors that will have the cash and will be able to close quickly.

With fierce competition for these distressed properties, it's important that you find a good real estate agent who specializes in this type of purchase to help ensure you jump on a good deal before someone else beats you to it.Flipping Real Estate Without A Lot Of MoneyA common misconception among those looking to get into the home-flipping business isYeah that you need a lot of money to begin with.

In Memphis this means the face value of the policy is much higher than the market value of the property, which means I'd be paying a higher cost for coverage I don't need.All that said, unless you happen to be in a scenario like me (where you have your personal coverage through a top of the line insurer with very competitive rates, but that same insurer prices investment property insurance too steeply), you may find that it's simpler (and less costly) to hold all of your insurance with a single company that offers multi-line discounts as @Andrew Johnson suggested.

I have college rentals and I try to make them nicer than the competition.

He said there was competition on them and requires no experience.  

It a competitive market so be sure you're prepared and ready when the time is right!

Darsh Patel Short of visiting the area in person, you can go on apartments.com or other such sites to do virtual tours of your competition in the area.