Maybe the totals year over year would be pretty identical if you factored in short sales as well.I definitely see a lot more short sales on MLS than I remember from last year.What I am seeing is a lot less of the lower priced houses (sub 100k) these days.

Their opinion was that fair market is broad and could be lower or higher based on many factors: condition, long term versus short term, knowledge of the pending foreclosure going into the lease, etc.

Another important factor is what bank services the loan(some require submittals through Equator) who owns the loans, is it Freddie, Fannie, FHA, does the investor participate in HAFA, etc.

And we always factor in if any improvement will actually bring higher rents enough to justify it.

Bryan, First, I only respectfully disagree when I see something which is extremely off base, granted I do enjoy a good debate, I want anyone to get the most accurate information and not be dissuaded by inflated fear factors.

How is the mortgage factored into the purchase price?

I believe that the vinyl plank will prove more durable in service than the laminates, so that might be a deciding factor.

In order to receive/access DETAILED/COMPLETE credit report info (as opposed to just getting a recommendation on whether or not to rent to a potential tenant) from ANY tenant screening service, you must have an onsite inspection by a designated third party and pay an inspection fee.

The baseboard trim is that that dinky 2" stuff.I'm looking for ways to add a few design/architectural elements to really basic uninteresting construction.

There are thousands of others who were just as bright and yet didn't have this same "alignment of the planets" that led to their success.A huge factor in success is, in fact, NOTHING BUT LUCK.