Is it difficult for contractors to get a good list of references, or do most of them not plan to be around in 5 years?

I can always go back to the regular working world and get a "job" if I have to.

If it barely cash flows with a 30 year note on it, then I would pass.In reference to a shorter note (maybe a 10 year), I think that depends on your investment goals.

Welcome to the forum.In reference to finding owner information, I would start at www.prad.org.

This is referring specifically to the mortgage and the debt-to-income ratio analysis that credit lenders undertake.

If it is then I would try it.In reference to is it bad business, I would say that it is very common.

Maybe it was referring to a corporation selling property for someone other then the corporation, which in fact requires a license.

I'm sure he/she was referring to an assistant.Of course laws differ by state, but I know that here in Tennessee the law is very explicit about what exactly you can and cannot do without a real estate license (this comes up all the time, since busy agents often hire assistants and it needs to be absolutely clear about what they are allowed to do and what must absolutely be done by the licensed agent).

They have all said they can't do it, and have referred me to someone else.

ofgift,the properties and owners you're referring to probably won't be the type of "customer" you'll make money with as an investor.let's just say that this house you're referring to that dropped in price 3k was listed at 100k and now is at 97k...now you're thinking this may mean that prices are dropping and other houses will follow suit.