Marie Poe:Just my experiences of course.Everything you said is absolutely valid and, of course, I base my negotiating techniques and style off my personal experience and formal learning as well...my negotiating background is different than most, so it doesn't surprise me that my philosophies and techniques are often different than most

I agree with Phillip's advice and just to add, sounds like the properties used as comps are probably different in style, if you have better comps take pictures from the street of the comps used and pics of your comps to show the lender.

Regardless I agree about the condosthat why I mention 4 visitsRehab estimate was not a bid for work ,, fyiI was providing a worst case for properties in area Jarrid mention ( cost analysis )Again,, I just know the area and not what insideof the actual propertiesUwe ,, if you provide mentoring to Jarrid I would love seat inside a few sessions- quietly and listening -Most individuals - I know our running from bad area Jarrid ,, I'm a family oriented person My first thought was where would a person want to raise a family or be able to move the property easily when market changesMeaning cash out a little easier versus 80%+ seller financing – down the road –Jarrid ,, here a link to Milwaukee match rehab for owner occupied propertieshttp://city.milwaukee.gov/NeighborhoodImprovement/Home-Rehabilitation-Program.htmYou spend $2 and city gives back $1 (up to I believe $14,000 est )Let’s say you spend $14k estthen city of Milw gives you $7k est backcheck arrives within 2 months ,, fyiAlso their might be a existing Milwaukee city loan program( search internet - my suggestion )You might qualify for Milw loan program before your income risesExample ,,My mother used Milwaukee loan program - replaced her siding about 12 years ago - loan program interest rate was extremely low back than ( less than 2% ) - she lives in a nice area ( fyi )City of Milwaukee most likely might have a teacherhome ownership programs ( search www )This been a link I been viewing weekly ( fyi ) - http://city.milwaukee.gov/ExtendedListing.htm If you go the rental route http://city.milwaukee.gov/NeighborhoodImprovement/Rental-Rehabilitation-Loan-Pro.htmTheir programs for OCC ,, I know due to fact I have a family member working for Milw lead base program over 12 yearsMust be Milwaukee resident to qualifySorry for long reply - Uwe got me going –We all have passion for our own states / communites

Read through this forum and pick up some books on the fundamentals of real estate investing so you can get a good look at all the different styles and methods of investing.

Comes out to about $6500 for a 1700 sq/ft ranch style home IIRC.I was quoted $3,500 to replace the roof on 1,000 sq/ft 2ba/1ba rental I have.

I end up getting investors that whine like retail style buyers.

Since a 5 unit is probably odd for comps I'd suggest you look at tri and four plexes and up to 6 or even 8 unit properties that are most similar in location, style, rents, condition and age then make adjustments as needed on a unit basis.

There are a few options for you, depending on your time availability & learning style.

We have another lot in Capistrano Beach, where we will build another house, different style.

I decided to go into rehabbing homes because that fits more my style plus I like the challenge of taking an ugly house and making it better for everyone involvedI want to tell you that I have known  a Real Estate agent and he is like a faraway friend, (you know a friend of a friends but he's also your friend but not close) So anyway, to my surprise he has been finding homes and assisting some rehabbers in my neck of the woods.