I have two tenants who pass the sniff test with landlord references, solid job, etc.  

Which in itself is kind of scary.Perhaps we'll pass on this place, but I feel that middle of the road B type properties are pretty stable.

Marty Baum rocks and keeps his classes entertaining and educational.

If there is not a $20k profit or more in the end I would say pass. 

Im just getting started in investing and wanted to know how do you get your agent to not pass the properties that you find along to other investors.

Are there any expenses that a property management company commonly incurs during the rental (eg, cleaning between renters, marketing, etc.) or are these usually all passed on to the owner?

Don't sell because of fear - that you'll regret it if you pass up this money or your property won't sell because it's surrounded by townhouses (Really!?!

I have a deal in my pipeline that is a classic situation of an older person passing, heirs wanting to sell quick, property being a mess in terms of clutter, never updated, full-gut kinda job.  

At a minimum, a home usually must pass a 4-point inspection to qualify for insurance (and thus financing), so if a house needs something as simple as a new roof or a new a/c or furnace (which is very often the case with REOs), it kills the deal for conventional, FHA, or VA financing. 

So they would only get $225 which is a little low so some realtors may pass up your rental so show one's that give a higher commission.