I get that certain deals are worth taking and the majority are not.

But then again, they are out there.My simultaneous note purchase was commercial property, 70% cash dwn, 800 FICO on buyer with a 20 year proven rental history to boot and, secured by a good property in a good neighborhood in a major metropolitan area.

I work full time and manage my own rentals (sfrs) and have been doing so for the last 5 years and I find that the vast majority of my time is spent on (1) looking for new deals; and (2) fixing up the properties when I initially purchase them.

Some years will have some large expense - a lengthy eviction, major tenant damage, a new furnace.

The majority of their projects are spec buildings, which they sell to investors and owner/users.Be sure you follow her here on BP, and wish her well as she joins the moderation team!

I dont have anything on my list that needs major rehab work (that I know of) - only things like carpet/drywall/paint/cosmetic issues.

It's a primarily military area, those that aren't typically work at a major hospital near by, rents run between 1700-2k for houses.

When I am driving for dollars I look for: boarded up windowsbroken windowstall grassa general unkept appearancemissing mailboxoverflowing mailboxsigns of major expense (blue tarp on roof, etc.)no exterior landscaping (possible sign of a rent house)for rent signsFSBO signsno curtains or blindsIf I see someone out in the neighborhood I stop and ask them if they know of any vacant houses nearby and tell them what I do.Im sure there are other things but thats a start.

One could pay a home loan on time for years and make every payment late to Sears or on some rent to own account.Again, if you are getting out of college and go to work in the field you majored in, credit, at least the lack of credit won't be a big deal, if you have some credit and it's bad, then you have a problem.David is right to about 3% down on an owner occupied FHA, duplex, tri or 4-plex, they are single family dwellings in lending.

I am currently visiting Mumbai so gimme a few weeks until Im back to my Sports Illustrated quality pics in CA j/k :)