Unfortunately some states are easier than others when dealing with probate cases.

In general, SFHs provide an easier entry point for the new, relatively unsophisticated investor.

He included a bunch of letters for different target groups.

Make sure that you have a "quality" letter that hits all of the hot buttons of the prospects you are targeting (landlords, probate, free and clear.)

Remeber you are going to have to continuously manage this campaign so you need to keep things as simple as possible for you to make management tasks easier. 

It would make it easier for those who study demographic trends.

Commercial is always based on location.If a Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, Target, etc come into town you can bet that the value of the land is going to go up.The improvements to the property will go up with inflation because the cost of a 2x4 goes up so the cost to build or rebuild the improvement will go up because of this.Now when an area runs out of land that can be developed then the prices of land in that area sky rocket if it's desirable land.

It allows him to get out from under his payments - easier than getting his loan foreclosed.2.

It's easier, quicker and MORE WORTHWHILE to just study this forum every day (including the archives).OTOH a basic "real estate contracts" course through your local community college would be a good starting point.BTW, I've never taken any courses so I can't speak to the quality/validity of them, but most people that buy the courses never complete them, at least that's what I've concluded from the vast numbers of them gathering dust in closets and under beds.all cash

That's a good idea and makes things a lot easier.