I've been buying rentals for the past 3 1/2 years and survived (and made a profit) during this bad time.

Even if that's 20% below market, you are talking about a place that will ultimately rent for around $300.

Without a MUCH thicker skin than that, you will NOT survive in the rental business.

Many real estate books I bought from Amazon.com gave me a foundation of the knowledge but ultimately it was my first real estate purchase experience that I really learned a lot from.

You need to find the place you want to buy (some here say you'll screen through a hundred or so properties and maybe look at/seriously consider 10 for every one that you ultimately buy).

You need to think about what is my ultimate exit strategy on these properties and if you package the deal you potentially can sell it as a package to investors whom are very experienced in duplex and triplex type investments.If I can help further feel free to contact me my info is in my signature file and I wish you the best of luck..Thanks--Colin

Ultimately I would like to maybe get into a rehab project by the end of the year, but we will see how things go.

So regardless of any personal opinions ( including my own) about how the type of services her offers, can be or not be of benefeit, Edwin has been available and has come through on this front.Edwin, By way of “nature of the beast” REI folks have to do “Due Diligence” to survive in this business.

I agree, but ultimately the best investors(not necessarily the good ones)[/i] are the best psychologists, they study human nature and social interactions and after they are done looking at your shoes......they'll look in your eyes and either feel confidence or trepidation......they can basically smell fear and treachery.....So, if you are going to present a deal to and investor...whether is a private, institutional, etc.......make sure you ask yourself the ultimate question...."

If a house survives the first round without a buyer it is then opened to investors.