A quick and easy thing is to check and see if they pulled a permit.

But then again, haven't yet found an easy and quick route and I also know normal people like you and I with 15 or more active projects.

Check out the beginners guide and podcasts if you haven't already, there's a ton of really good free info on here.

That's no guarantee that a great deal exists on the MLS in your geo *today* but you'll start to figure out pretty quick what seems oddly low priced/high priced for an area.

Fix and Flips get a lot of glam as quick way to make some money... but if you don't know how to mange the project or vet contractors or do the work yourself it can eat up all your capital quick.

However, I feel that that since we have not been pre approved for a loan, we have not started looking at open houses and we have not hired an agent, September 15th is way to quick of a rush for us to get our ducks in a row. 

To start, this began back in 2012, but took me a while to get some traction and realize real estate was the way I wanted to go.Let me provide the brief version:First property I purchased was a short sale in Clintonvil...

Took a quick drive to Meyerland - the gym I use was destroyed (24 hour fitness) but people in the area are stripping their floors out and a number I have spoken to are hurt...but still in good spirits.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Lawns can go to hell quickly, I wouldn't expect a tenant to maintain it and do a good job.