Realtors are required by law to uphold certain rules, regulations, standards, etc.

Lending standards are tightening.

However there would probably also probably be times in there where lending standards would losen a bit to where you can more easily find 0-5% down financing (not in the next few years though).

Where can i find info on land contracts availablein a metropolitan area,say Chicago and the upper midwest..Also how much of a downpayment is standard practice.

I think the easiest and most economical approach would be to use a good quality concrete floor paint.

I think pre-construction is VERY RISKY with the current real estate market; tightening of lending standards; and impending recession.I would not find a lender on-line or give my personal information to someone that I don't know online.

If you find one deal for every 100 properties you see (which seems to be a standard goal) then you need to see at least 100 properties.

I am interested in hearing how professional property managers create revenue beyond their standard fee.Great feedback from all and very much appreciated.

I giggled a bit when you said you want to continually be improving your properties because most of us want to get nice rentals and not have to always be fixing them up (you know how things hit you sometimes when you are speed reading).But it sounds lovely that you want to provide a quality product to good people.

Now, while they may make it sound risky to get a special warranty deed (which is standard for REO sales), in actuality, the title insurance you get should protect you from any encumbrances even prior to the seller's ownership.