I also think it gives the listing agent and seller more confidence that you'll close when you represent yourself as an investor.

I'm pretty confident in my abilities, but its still going to need probably another 40-45 thousand to get it in rental shape (I admit to not doing more than a ballpark estimate before going to this auction, hopefully it doesn't come back to bite me).Maybe one of you were at the auction and can tell me if I'm an idiot for bidding what I did, haha!

People in second camp often put 10% of net-worth into one investment because they have gained confidence, control over risk. 

I'm confident this is the reason it's still on the market. 

I was a social worker back in the day so I'm confident about screening folks but worry that I might end up being too soft on problem tenants.

Lack of confidence.

I actually have been listening to the podcasts, usually while I cook or eat at home, and they really help me build confidence in my knowledge about REI. :) I've been trying to build my credit, as well - right now the biggest issue is I don't have many (read: 2) credit lines, so my utilization rate is high.

Should I only stick to neighborhoods with plenty of rentals listed so I can be more confident in the income it will bring in?

To determine this, I need to have confidence in the expected rents and the major operating costs (taxes, insurance, property management, etc).

Stacey Foster