@Sam K.Welcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing.

I have read many blog posts and a few RE books describing the process for narrowing down your target market starting from the 30k foot view and narrowing down to metro then city then neighborhood.

Set Your Investing Criteria - and once you know your Goals, you can set your investing criteria to efficiently and effectively analyze deals and serve as bumpers on acquisitions. 

@Devan BermejoWelcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing.

No, just like we can't capitalize and depreciate increases in value in a rehab beyond what was actually incurred.Both are unrealized gains on the underlying asset which have no current tax effect. 

@Thomas N.I've used a clause in my lease to the effect that "tenant understands and acknowledges that the fireplace is for decorative purposes and is not functional."  

@Warren TalbotWelcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing.

And after you gave the apartments back to your uncle for free- he will have effectively stolen two apartments from you.You've made a 50% gain on your condos.

Where we’re having difficulties is in getting in touch with these owners and we are looking for suggestions as to the most cost-effective method of tracking down phone numbers for these absentee owners?

@Justin ThompsonWelcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing.