That certainly seems the 'safer (potential liability and risk) bet,' starting out... but I'd also like to see 50%+ placement, vs. 25% (as these people generally want, to OWN!)

Ask them what they would charge, for a couple hundred it may be worth it for them to make up the lease. 8) Any other advises that I didn't mentioned here, but should to know.Your best bet is to read lots of forums and look up the podcast episodes that pertain to student rentals.

If she hasn't given you the deposit back in a timely manner, as per your state law, then I bet you can google her and find out where she lives in some way.

Did you mean you are going to physically do all the work yourself, or sub out the various trades? 

There are a lot of note buyers on this site that are quite active if you put this question in the right spot I bet you get all your answer done for you.

People were buying houses despite the negative cashflow betting that they'd sell eventually and make a ton of money on the appreciation regardless of the short term cash loss.  

@Remus Phillips Your best bet is to shop around at local (or at least regional) banks.

For the last year or so i was investing most of my money into physical precious metals.

It's my turn to give him a smirk and ask when he'll pay off the bet.

Are you talking about a physical mailing list or an email list?