I don't know if you're doing a fixed contract price or if you are doing a cost plus, But either way you gotta have a higher intimidation factor with these contractors and you cannot let them change the game otherwise you will continue to get run over.

Hello, I've always been a stock market investor and am trying to educate myself on real estate as an option to diversify my investments. My initial thought was that I'd like to have '5 doors' to buy and hold with the ...

Welcome @Derwin Smith-Bishop I think entering the game in MF is a great direction...there is a ton of content here and an opinion about everything, so don't lose sight of your focus.

Roof is $2 per transaction and SmartMove is $40 per application if paid by the perspective tenant, $25 to $40 if paid by the landlord (depending) on the package selected (Background, Credit, or both)We are choosing to pay for Roof for our current tenants, but anyone new picks up the cost.

@Narciso CodronGood time to buy in Detroit, however you need to be very selective on what and where you buy.I only buy in good neighbourhood and have good property management in place which is key.Plenty of buyers coming into the market at the moment as we are starting to see Detroit turn around.

Hi all, First steps out of the gate here, and I just wanted to get some input from the folks here that have been doing this for awhile.I came across BP too late in the game and had already purchased a SFR.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

That is a whole different ball game!

The FHA says that examples of such problems include but are not limited to the following: Missing handrailsCracked or damaged exit doors that are otherwise operableCracked window glassDefective paint surfaces in homes constructed post-1978 (because of lead paint hazards)Minor plumbing leaks (such as dripping faucets)Defective floor finishes or coverings (worn through the finish, badly soiled carpeting)Evidence of previous (non-active) wood-destroying insect/organism damage where there is no evidence of unrepaired structural damageRotten or worn-out counter topsDamaged plaster, sheetrock or other wall and ceiling materials in homes constructed post-1978Poor workmanshipTrip hazards (cracked or partially heaving sidewalks, poorly installed carpeting)Crawl spaces with debris and trashLack of an all-weather driveway surface=================There are many areas, however, where the FHA does require problems to be remedied in order for the sale to close.Electrical and Heating The electrical box should not have any frayed or exposed wires.All habitable rooms must have a functioning heat source (except in a few select cities with mild winters).Roofs and Attics The roofing must keep moisture out.The roofing must be expected to last for at least two more years.The appraiser must inspect the attic for evidence of possible roof problems.The roof cannot have more than three layers of roofing.If the inspection reveals the need for roof repairs and the roof already has three or more layers of roofing, the FHA requires a new roof.Water HeatersThe water heater must meet local building codes and must convey with the property.Hazards and NuisancesA number of conditions fall under this category.

It is really just a numbers game.