Other than being a motivated seller, the reason most sellers enter into a contract is because you have established a relationship with them.

Because I'm military I mainly bank online but if I were able to establish a local branch bank that was convenient to my tenants and just transfer that money to where I need it online that would be great.A lot of these problems result from being a long distance landlord and being across the country from my properties, but I'm glad I can figure out the best method of doing business now so when my portfolio gets bigger I can maximize efficiency.

Seek out the most popular properties; look at the amenities and facilities they offer, as well as the location, which should give you a good idea of what vacationers find most appealing.Doing thorough research from a guest viewpoint can help you establish solid criteria when making a buying decision.Heather

I am thinking of this from a pure protection with respect to any liability concerns (in either direction).

I had two condos bought for 33k and 38k in 2010 which were renting for 900 and 1k respectively.

I recently saw an ad for a funding program whereby you buy established LLC with good credit histories and then are qualified for funding within a few months.

Great point John, I don't know of any state being different in that respect to Texas, although filling the les pendens and not filing suit might be an issue.You can also file a notice of sale affidavit that could stop another sale as a title company wouldn't insure clear title.Might want to think about filing such a notice as it depends on what transaction you're contemplating. :)

Agree with David in nailing things down.I respect Chris' opinions, but on this, I wouldn't say a mortgage is "better" in a partnership.If you're a lender, you'll be foreclosing on that interest, you'll be selling to satisfy the mortgage interest only.

@Samia BinghamSamia - Would you be able to elaborate any more on the present setup you are involved in/have the option to purchase.This type of investment interests me quite a bit as locally it seems to be a niche that could be filled, I'm sure plenty of other locales this works in as well besides established markets.What I'm interested in, are rents paid (if you know the ranges possibly) roughly the space someone gets for the rent, what perks they get -- is there coffee, virtual receptionist -- how is the office decorated/set up - any furniture supplied by landlord, can you pay online, terms of leases, bathroom set up -- do the tenants have to pay for web access or utilities, housekeeping, any fights/spats between neighbors, what type of tenants make up the mix.Really any insight from your experience would very much be appreciated.  

I wonder if the snow removal standard established by the municipality the property is in could serve as a reasonable standard.