Poland actually caught my eye recently as it supplies 25% of the world's silver.

Prices are just a matter of supply and demand.

At least in my area four valves would be around $60 from my supplier.For some reason the HD in my area quit carrying them a couple of years ago, I'm not sure about Lowe's, they still might.I'm sure there is an irrigation supply store in your area that would retail you a few valves.

It was really the crazy lending that caused the last bubble.Also, there has not been a lot of new construction the last 7 years to add much new supply.  

We already talked about how this make 2x more housing supply available in LA.My city used to be much smaller than it is now.

Our BOR here pulls in over a million, they sell education, support RE supplies, take in membership fees and govern members, the franchise is held by an investor.RE is not just flipping houses or buying and holding rentals, there are many related real estate activities that, if you work smart and hard, you can exceed your goals.None of this is overnight, it's all slow and steady to get there.If you need it next year this isn't the industry for you, unless you can follow Jerry W.'

Marc,15 month's isn't long enough to with-hold a deposit for a new paint coat in entirety, you'd lose that one (unless they smoked cigarettes or crack [seriously] and smoke damaged the property.You could only ensure victory by charging the painting (including prep) cost for the one wall.

First off, it must be done with someone who will trust you and then, the problem of encumrances after title transfers as explained by Jason.So, to do your transaction properly, without having your own POF and without having to double close, you can use a trust, name your end buyer as the beneficiary, you as the trustee and your buyer can supply the POF.

Therefore this lack of supply is pushing the prices way up !

Hi Lawrence,I don't have any specific advice for your market, but I can suggest the J Scott method; go to Home Depot at 6am and see what contractors are there picking up supplies, they're going to be the ones that are probably a bit more trustworthy than others.