Search the forums here for other investors who invest in your target areas.

I may just wait until the appreciation is much higher than my target price, then I don't need to worry about the timing.Glad to know you are from Mountain View :) I am wondering whether there is any investment property club or forum in MTV.

Seniors not only make mistakes but are also targets of scams.

You do not want to be targeted as one of the bad guys who took advantage of the system during everyone's time of need. 

@Shawn SchofieldI was also keep learning and researching target markets but just verify that your bankruptcy is going to fall off in October, check this from Experian: "Chapter 13 bankruptcy is deleted seven years from the filing date because it requires at least a partial repayment of the debts you owe.

Well, all I can go by is the banks that are advertising it on the web.  

I've targeting the central NJ area (Edison, Hillsborough, Princeton, Manville, Somerville, etc) as well as along the Jersey Shore (seasonality creates a challenge to find something where the numbers work, but the opportunity for appreciation is good). 

op=view&id=144201755&crd=pro(The target audience is realtors, but there appears to be an option for non-members to register)

I am currently renting an apartment in the Dallas, TX area and for about the same price or a little more than I am spending now, I could get a 3 bedroom house.My credit score is about 730 and I am thinking I would put about 5% down on a home with a target price range of about $230,000.

Costs to make those repairs don't tend to cost and arm and a leg.It all comes down to ensuring you have enough room in the budget to hit your personal return target.Now if the cost to repair along with the purchase price caused the deal to decrease your return target, then at that point yes I would consider it a deal breaker.