Pros:Fewer days on the market (aka reduce vacancy) from additional marketing time and lining up the tenant before the existing tenant has vacatedStaged homes rent better than one w/o furniture (although rare the tenant has good enough style :))Ability to perform an informal "move-out" inspection, which provides a better idea of the turnaround time before the new tenants can move-inTenants may tidy up the place a bit and get a head start on their move-out process (rare, but worth pointing out)Cons:Reduced rent --> assuming some of the above bullet points are a stretch from reality (aka staged home and tidy up the place), the clutter and style may detract tenants from wanting to move-inInconvenience to the existing tenantsCoordination of the showings requires contacting the existing tenantsI know many SFH will list the property while other tenants are in it, but you must take it on a case-by-case basis, and it's heavily dependent on the existing tenants.

I would suggest contacting a realtor having that person do a free cma to get an accurate assessment.

I know they go MLS to get best price, I have no idea if there are pitfalls or what not, new to investing but 12 years in government construction as self performing contractor.

I understand that there is a period of due diligence once you get the property under contract, and I was wondering if you guys would help by telling where do you find accurate information about rent rolls, property income, expenses, taxes, etc. 

Of course you would need to perform your due diligence and ensure the numbers will work in your favor.

"I know and trust the companies".On another note, with metal duct, what gauge of metal have they included; are they using long turn fittings with turning vanes; are they using tape, mastic or Aeroseal on the joints; what is the R-value of the insulation (on metal or the flex); have they performed a Manual J and Manual D; have they included dedicated returns to each room or just one central one?

I have a leads list that gives me the following:Estimated valueEstimated total loan balanceAssessed valueThe last one is only a property tax value, so forget that one.Assuming that the Est Value is accurate, then Est Value > loan balance suggests some equity and clearly the opposite says the owner was under water.Short sale??

If you need a CMA form perform a search on Google  'CMA.pdf'  Good luck and welcome to Real Estate-Ron

The HELOC has some disadvantages, but you can still be able to perform what you want to do while working on your practice.

Considering my job was basically to get a property ready for market (clean out/fix, get appliances, full occupancy, etc) I assumed the only SOLID way to get accurate appreciation was physically adding value to the property (renovations, etc.) and increased rents.