Tim, While there are GURUs out there that seem to have figured out how to navigate these waters (Alan Cowgell SP) seem to be one of them... the reality is that once you have someone lend you money you are entering some special realm involving securities.

Forget about trying to educate them.regardless of product - sales is sales is sales.For example my last gig was selling marketing solutions to car dealers.

Like the previous comment from Texas Steve, If you can find a firm that specializes in evictions inexpensively go for it, but don't put if off one more day.

We specialize in $5,000 Pre Construction (Construction to Perm) Loans.$5,000 Out of Pocket90% of Value/100% of CostConstruction to Perm loanOnce construction is complete the loan modifies into a 5/1 ARM with no additional fees/costs.

What I did determine in my little experiment however, that I could just knock 20% off and likely be pretty close to the actual sale price.I do have a free subscription to fastweb, another of First American's products, so i do use it regularly, and drop the numbers by 20%.

They give you zoning information, a complete financial history on the property including all sales,refinancing and transfers, tax data, and the product I use the most, is the comparable search.

if i were you, i would get a good re agent that specializes in investments (or is an investor), and tell him what you're trying to accomplish.

Doesn't trying to fix one's credit at the same time you're paying a large rent seem counter productive to you?

Now there could always be some state laws around it, and I would recommend consulting with a QUALIFIED attorney in your state that specializes in real estate.

If you are looking at the tax advantages angle, contact an accountant that specializes in invetsment property.