its certainly happening in the bay area.. in Portland we are just about at our 07 peak so it stands to reason just with inflation that we can see new peaks  11 years later..I mean when median price point in Portlandia was 120k in the late 80s  .. it was not going to stay at 120k forever just like now with our median over 300k  and in the peak it was right there .. it can make new highs, at least I am thinking so.also much more equity coming into the market than what was happening in 05 to 07 were every one was so focused on 100% leverage you know OPM  refi to you die.. max equity.. what I see now in my new home communities are buyers aschewing max equity.. don't want to pay PMI and are putting 10 to 20% down and in my last 23 homes community we sold 3 for cash.. at 450k each.. that was UNHEARD of last go around.. so in my mind whatever is happening today has stronger foundation for a longer run.then you take all these folks buying rentals.. and I see it every day on my HUDS that I am signing all over the country.. and its cash sales and 20% down or more.. now BRRR has come back that is 100% financing .. but its limited.. were as in 05 ish that was 95% of how people were buying rentals in the mid west.. so very few had any real skin in the game.. as compared to today..  

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet 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: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If 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.

You can also get signs made.

Try to have the tenant there with you, and have them sign off on it, too.This is the condition you purchased the home in, so that is what you can go off of when deciding to charge for any damage during the move out.

QuickBooks will help you setup your chart of accounts when you select your business is real estate related.

., I'm not saying that you should not bid with a round number, though $2.00 on a 3/4 million dollar home is ridiculous, but when the deal is reached and before all is signed, simply adjust to a round number.This is about as narrow minded of an argument as one on wanting the qualification letter to match a lowball offer!

If liquidated damages is selected, and it usually is, you will get your earnest money back and that's it. 

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet 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: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If 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.

The tenant just signed a new 1 year lease but has also complained that the driveway needs relaying and that the deck is falling to pieces so guess this is a ploy to start negotiations on selling price.I understand that they pay the rent for a given time, plus extra that we hold as a deposit/down payment so assume I can get that contract drawn up by a real estate attorney who can also work on closing once the agreed upon timeframe ends (is this better than a realtor or should I just go with one and pay the 5%?

Of the $950,000 in downpayment, he is giving $300,000, along with his land and signing on the loan (I probably couldn't get the loan without him or at least it would be tough).