I am based in W Seattle and we focus on working with investors trying to grow and expand their portfolio in real estate.

If you have to, interview a couple until you find one that you "click" with. 2) Let that agent connect you with their network of investor-friendly lenders. 3) Meet with these lenders, have them talk over your finances with you and what loan products you would qualify for at the moment based on your income and assets. 4) Let the outcome of that conversation (#3) dictate your strategy moving forward and take your findings back to the realtor so you can craft a plan. 

We have a milder climate down here in Columbus, so $300 sounds about right based on your experience. 

I'm going to preface this with I'm not an accountant or certified tax-preparer but the previous advice seems slightly off (maybe based off old forms). 

It's still probably a scam based on what you've written.Yes, I have been served already.

( I would assume based on area median rents?)

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.This is my first attempt at making an educated calculation.

One last tip, make sure the base boards upstairs are not touching the floor, even just 1/8 inch gap is good.  

Can you explain how you say this based on the IRS publication above?  

You are right "real estate goes up", but I'm not going to decide if a deal is good or not based on that general sentiment.