Enough that I moved my initial search to obits instead of waiting for a probate to be opened and I suggest if this is one of the areas you work, you do the same.

I assume a 10% fudge factor, usually plenty for unseen and the unexpected, while a few times that wasn't enough, more often it's within 2% of the initial guesstimate.

But again, the high income was constant and verifiable.

Also, you will need to verify the bearing capacity of the underlying native soils into which you plan to bear the piers.If my assumption(s) is correct, this type of repair could easily run to 50-100K.

After speaking w/the homeowner today I think the town may be more willing to negotiate or work with them/me than I initially thought.

I think you may need to adjust your verbiage on the initial communication if anyone thinks YOU are going to be the one living in the house.

Besides, if even the "lender" has the money, the "preapproval" is probaly dependent on LTV of 65%, borrower having a great credit score (which hasn't been checked yet) income to be verified, cash that buyer doesn't have, alignment of all the stars in the Big Dipper, closing to be on Easter as long it's a Thursday in September,......

I just inspected a property yesterday, and got my first real look at it.Here is the information:Asking Price: $15,675On the Market: 79 DaysComparable Comps: 25-35K (I believe this to be a little low right now (The area just a few years ago was roughly 55-65K)Expected Rent: $500 to $600I did not factor in Closing Costs, but I figured a $7,000 bid offer with a contingency for inspection.Since most of my cash will be used up in the initial purchase, I plan on using the property as collateral to secure a personal loan for $12,000 at 7.5% (Not sure if this is too high) over 5 years.I assume that I got the COC correct?

Patrick D.thank you for the follow up sir - truth be told, getting a loan was something I was considering, but no it wasn't something I had my mind set on and needed validation for - I can understand though why it may have seemed that way, but honestly, im still trying to weigh my options and determine whats bestI completely understand what you're saying about the field of being an agent is very difficult, especially in the beginning, and thankfully I've been fortunate to have the support/encouragement of my friends, family and the wonderful community here on BPit sounds cliche, but I sincerely do value all these responses and perspectives from all different types of people on here - you're words are much appreciated and will most definitely be taken into serious considerationas I said before, im still undecided in regards to method of paying for initial expenses, but im confident that ill be able to figure it out, especially now that I have the opinions and perspectives of all you guys on here.

I would also verify that the rent rates are market rates.Good Luck.Bill