There is no one book, or one source, other than an experienced professional, that can begin to provide enough localized information to enable you to make informed decisions.Expecting that all "Real Estate Professionals" should be able to properly advise you regarding investment property is like expecting all Doctors to be able to perform heart surgery, or all accountants to know the intricacies of the tax code.

the owner just had a stroke and has other properities. this one is the only fixer-upper, he basically just wants out. i,m taking an equity loan on my house for $40000 for down payment, closing, and a small credit line(about $12000). my main concern is the labor charges of contractors in my area. the on-hand cash would enable me to get local handymen and cheap laborers to cut into alot of the cost of teardown and disposial. also a friend workes for a local home builder and is willing to do alot of the drywall work and floors on the side.

You open a brokerage account that's properly titled for your IRA and the buy whatever you want.

Since some of you are, unfortunately, looking for a new one, what would an Ideal PM provide to you in terms of services, information, reports, etc. and what do YOU feel would be a proper fee structure?

You might to investigate the lending landscape before you cement your exit strategy---title seasoning/chain of title guidelines are an expanding feature in today's lending enviroment.Regards,Scott Miller

Toilets and faucets all functioning properly?

This book will give you the proper mental tools to take on this industry.

As a followup to my initial post, the costs will not inhibit me from setting up properly - I'm more concerned with the most advantageous setup that provides the most benefits... even if it costs more.

Biggest issue right now is understanding how to access capital and how to properly analyze properties.

As a proper business, that utilizes credit information to make financial decisions, you pay business rates for this information.