If you had to pick the best investments you have ever made that supplies you paper losses (tax shields) through real estate what would they be?  

I thought about doing some colored stone on the front patch and sort of caging it with chicken wire (to hopefully prevent people from picking up the chips and throwing them, etc).  

If your here with boots on the ground you will be able to pick those houses at a deep discount that will be best bang for your buck. 

I picked it up from a dallas area wholesaler, networth realty, who was great to work with.  

I have helped a lot of out of state clients, I also owned property in other states:I think the most important is;1. market knowledge (pick a market)2. have trusted on the ground person/ Realtor/or yourself3. knowledgable and resourceful lawyer/accountant/insurance/contractor/property manager etc4. handyman (I m still looking for one)hope that helps

Devon,Welcome to the site. the best advice I could see is to pick one or two topics and really dig in. after that you can open up to learning more.

If the house is worth 45k as is, and you're getting it for 20k then pick and exit strategy and make a move. as for the previous amount the house sold for, it was 10 years ago.

@Joe Homs I would love to check out your flip in Anaheim and pick you brain a little about real estate!

I've picked two areas here in Memphis close to desirable schools.

ON BP they pick on RE gurus these folks are far more predatory.Also get with a Good RE broker who can get it sold for you.. either saving some equity or negoatiating a short sale for you... foreclosure is a bummer on your credit.good luck with it.