The reality is thieves are thieves they are every where but there is simply no denying in the tougher rougher areas they are rampant.. and vacant houses are simply fare game.. if its not the thieves its the kids breaking in and having fun destroying your house.. on the South side of Chicago they use a system called DAWGS google that bad boy.. only way to keep them out.. and the other thing they do there and in Detroit is any ground level windows are replaced with glass blocks.. 

Hi Matt, Balloon framing was a common framing method for many years but is no longer allowed by the building codes, due to the open spaces created that interconnect floor levels.

This is my first potential deal and I want to make sure that I'm offering the right price, and if its too far off please let me know.Property Details: Split-level Duplex- 3 bed/1ba. each sideList Price: 99kRent: 600 one side, 675 on the otherComps: Only one: duplex sold in last year for 55k - 2bed/1ba on each side- good conditionOffer Numbers: This is without seeing inside the property.

For real estate, my question is for all experienced folks there what will be your advice for me to follow so that I can attain some level of success in this business?  

Wilmington specifically if you can drill down into that level would be fantastic :)

Better yet is to buy a fixer upper single family home if any of those are available. 

Currently I'm working for a crowdfunder in underwriting.I'm also in the process of selling my first rental in OC, I'll post details about that elsewhere.I joined BiggerPockets to learn more about investing personally as opposed to on a corporate level.

If it goes back to court do I have the upper hand here?

Regarding inspections, there was a law change at the state level limiting inspections by municipalities. so yea this is pretty normal.  

Second I would recommend finding some local real estate investor groups in your area, talking with people who are doing deals each month will take you to new levels in your educational phase plus it will help you become a familiar face and network.