Now regarding the delay in county recording... is that for property card updates or recordings?

The rents are at about $2800 currently, but market prices show I could raise them $3600 or more - one issue is whether the current tenants will leave (they are not under any leases).I got the inspection done, and there are 4 major things I need to get fixed.1) There are 2 chimneys in terrible condition.

@Shawn Wise, who are you looking to raise capital from (banks, private equity, etc)?

This is going to greatly contribute to your ability to raise private money...

I was born and raised in Venice, Italy, where I studied finance and accounting, while working in a small family winery.

Solid jobs, good income, stable, lots of toys, and raising families...

Work very hard not to become a Real Estate Expert or you will find it extremely difficult to scale your business (you want to avoid creating a job).As a sidenote right now is a GREAT time of year to get started, the holidays are only "slow" for the wholesalers who stop marketing during this time of year.Whatever you do, try to focus on revenue activities instead of  complicated CRM's, cool looking business cards and setting up a LLC or S corp.You are about to go on a Great Adventure!

If I was to refinance and pull out most but not all of my equity, I would be able to eliminate (or more like consolidate) my car and credit card debt and still should have enough to pay back into the house to get rid of the mortgage insurance I'm currently paying.

Home Depot takes my Lowes 10 percent off coupons and I purchase reduced gift cards for both of these stores.Gail

I have 2 closings coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm going to send our 5,000 we buy houses post cards and do a heavy facebook campaign. if you guys are on facebook please look for hudson valley investors and also fair deal home buyer llcthanks,'   Bill Smith