Note: a Mortgage Credit Report will pick up dirt that those worthless "Online" consumer fico score reports won't show.Depending on how much of a Credit Criminal you have on your hands, in addition to a substantial "refundable deposit ask for 1st month's and last 2 month's rent up front (note: need to open an escrow account to deposit the rent payments and deposit collected)Write lease with an "EPD"  (Early Payment Discount), meaning if they ensure that you receive the monthly payment BEFORE the 1st day of the month, the rent is discounted $50, $100, $300 or whatever, depending on if you are leasing out a $50k home or a $3,000,000 home.And the very first time the rent is 5 days late, hire an evection company to go post an eviction notice to start the process and/or show them you are not playing and they will likely ensure you receive the rest of the rents on time after thatAnd I could go on and on listing things to do, but these are a few good ones  

The home prices here in OC are appreciating..although it's anybody's guess of course how that will all play out in the future...so the house will only increase in value, I would expect.   

This of course would be the ‘end’ game.

Before you get into the game, it's best to research and know your market first.

Hi Christine,While I personally would not be interested in a property that does not cash flow (or will cash flow after some rehab is done), if you are playing the appreciation game I would make sure that the property at least breaks even when all the costs (including vacancy) are factored in.If you are at least even, you are having someone else pay down the mortgage which at least still makes you some money, even if it is tied up until you sell.

I am just starting to break into the real estate "game". 

How does this person play a roll in the purchase, offer and contracts of this deal.?

In California, if you can get a neutral cash flow you are ahead of the game.

we had about 50 million out and that was 250 investors.pretty sure you will find like kind companies in your state no problemthen just look at loans they present you and make sure they make sense.DONT do this with NEWBIES or people hitting you on the internet talking a great game.. you need to belly to belly and make sure your aligning with top shelf experienced players. 

Post Dodd Frank Act and all the new Federal lending laws, proving ATR (Ability To Repay) is the name of the game these days.