Find a local REI club, define your goals and network.

Define your REI strategy...you'll get many more informed responses...there are a million ways to make a million dollars in real estate...

Rising unemployment leads to loss of GDP which is why we wind up in a recession normally defined by a Fall in GDP, 2 consecutive quarters in a row.- When (not IF) we go into a recession, you better know who will be laid off first.

We have started doing some direct mail but I am really looking at honing in a "list" (a combination of purchased and built) of a target that is more defined.

According to Chapter Five, An outright gift of the cash investment is acceptable if the donor is -the borrower's relative-the borrower's employer or labor uniona close friend with a clearly defined and documented interest in the borrowera charitable organizationa governmental agency or public entity that has a program providing home ownership assistance to low- and moderate-income families, or first-time homebuyers.The FHA doesn't just list who may give such a gift--it also has rules discussing who MAY NOT provide gift funds for an FHA loan down payment.

Unlike coming up with a legal strategy, the "strategy" for painting a house or installing cabinets or laying carpet or replacing a roof is pretty well-defined. 

5. can you define Putting it to work? 

These can be used to define what is currently occupied and what upgrades can be made  in the future to maximize revenues.3) Lease buyout is as great option, but be weary of the pitch and process.

It just add character.

Leases are essentially a contract that protects and defines the rights of the landlord and tenets.