I also use quickbooks pro for the accounting of my RE portfolios as well as my other business ventures.

I have a partner myself (through a joint venture agreement) and we split 50/50 but he finds buyers and I find the sellers(sometimes vise versa).

I love when agents venture into real estate investing . . . by doing so, you become fully vested in the field, and can then speak with some personal experience to your own investor clients.

I don;t have any pics, but I would venture a guess to say Detroit would win this contest...some ridiculous stuff

Hire a contractor, or Do It Yourself (DIY).

I am a self starter, DIY, spend as little as possible, and make the most out of scraps, kind of person.Thanks!

I have been running rentals in Florida since the late 70's and will try to answer a fewquestions and venture a few opinions about what you are considering.

This has been in process for a week http://news.muckety.com/2009/05/14/muck-tracker-john-kanas-mounts-takeover-bid/15611 Looks like they announced their intentions in Feb http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS129705+11-Feb-2008+PRN20080211 Wilbur Ross and John Kanas of North Fork Bank Teaming Up in Retail FinancialServices Venture Veteran Bank CEO To Advise, Co-Invest With WL Ross & Co.

Having met the vendor and the listing agent several times and had lengthy discussions with them - even to the extent of the vendor and I considering a joint venture - I do feel that I trust them both.

I have a successful business resume but also understand that doesn't necessarily translate into immediate success in new ventures.