There is a section dealing with construction materials subject to recall, class action litigation etc.

More than once, I've had tenants call me up, asking if they can repaint this or replace the cabinet handles and whatnot, and I end up just reimbursing part of the materials on their rent.

Saves time buying materials in the future3.

You're looking at well under $100 in materials to do it right and have it last forever.  

Scott Material on the site!

So much material in this thread. 

A lot of the cost comes in on the finishing material and the type of products you use.  

I also like the control over my materials so that I feel confident that my material is 100% different than other letters that are hitting property owners' mailboxes.

There is a lot of expensive materials and classes/seminars you can attend regarding the note business.

I don't believe there is anything major going on externally that is causing that, other than just random luck whether the types of properties we buy are being released by the banks that month or not.The one exception was this summer, after the tax credit expired -- I believe this was a major external event that affected the market for several months.All that said, we're okay with slow periods where we aren't doing much...if we were desperate for the income at all times, we could certainly find deals by expanding our purchase criteria or expanding the areas where we purchase.