(FWIW, I live in a relatively big midwestern city...)Thanks for any input...

I talk to hundreds of investors every year who: [list]Have been thinking about investing Have been reading about investing Have a friend who had done well investing (The elusive friend) Are saving for a down payment Waiting for rates to go down Waiting to finish their real estate course Waiting for their mentor to tell them to buy Waiting for summer (insert any season) Waiting for the market to straighten out Waiting till they can afford it Waiting till they get a promotion Waiting till their friend or relative can partner with them Trying to read just one more book Waiting till they buy their own house Waiting till they get a raise Waiting to graduate from college Waiting till their friend or family member becomes a realtor Waiting to be married Waiting till they contribute their maximum to a 401k Waiting till they get done working on their own home [/list:u]Then after giving me their excuse for waiting they ask [list]What happens if the toilet gets clogged?

I hope this isn’t confusing, because we need some wisdom here…Any and all thoughts would be appreciated, as I feel we need to move on this relatively soon, esp because of the other houses we’re interested in.

Just a quickie related to my previous post.Are there any benefits to having a formal offer in writing, even if the seller verbally told the realtor our intended bid was unacceptable?

My question, is related to articles I've read on wholesaling where it is recommended that after I contract the property, then open title on it.

risk" is a relative term - an investment is risky in as much that the investor lacks information and control.

Go relatively slow and give yourself a chance to learn the business before you buy a big complex.

Because debt that is current is so much more valuable than non-paying debt, only a relatively small portion of debt need be converted to make the transaction profitable.

It was a crap hole.Price overcomes all objections.

If you think something has potential, post the numbers on the deal analysis forum and see what everyone has to say.In reference to your risk assessment, I would have to say that what is "smart" is very relative to your personal goals and agendas.