Apart from your suggestion, I'm not sure there is any good way around that until I have a solid contact in most of the regions.I should also add that while there is occasionally a delicate balance that has to happen to avoid a conflict of interest, I prefer the listing broker/agent because they have the most information and are only 1 step removed from the seller.

I can recommend these fascinating books for those who want to dig deeper (from their armchairs):How To Live In Detroit Without Being A Jackass, by Aaron Foley (bonus if you can ID the cover design reference)Detroit: The Dream Is Now, by Michel Arnaud (these 2 books alone will show the delicate balance needed between Old and New)Unreal Estate Guide To Detroit, by Andrew Herscher (highlights the quirky underground creativity that permeates the city) 

They stayed warm due to generating lots of heat internally and only heating the portions of the house being used {i.e. you would not heat the dining room or salon during the night}.With older properties we usually lay-out a plan to improve the building envelope first through air sealing (getting rid of drafts and convection within the wall cavities) and, where possible, insulation {not always straight forward ... many old brick buildings have limited insulation options due to the brick requiring heat transfer from inside to drive moisture from the brick}.Around here it is not uncommon to find an old mansion converted to multiple units - or the occasional purpose-built multi-unit - where the operating costs are 70 - 80% of the revenue and heating comprises 20 - 25% of the operating costs.  

.6% is my threshold to lay out more capital up front or in a higher PI pmt (like going with s 15yr vs 30yr) so I'd put down the extra $10k. 

I know each transaction is different, but if someone could lay out the steps I would initially be doing from start to finish I would really appreciate it.

After you get your website up and runningYou would need trafficPurchase from a variety of reputable providers~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~bookmarks small quantitiesbacklinks small quantitiessocial media small quantities (plus ones ,, facebook likes , pinterest ,, etc)never over pay for seo servicesdetermine best local keywords for your future site as soon as possibleMake sure to avoid loud colors just like a rehab property – colors // tones - to appease your audienceCheckout your local competition (web page layouts )Basically get your website to rank locally ASAP ( that will assist in bring free traffic)

It is 5 bed\2 bath 2700 sq ft on 100 x 100 double lot but it is ugly; built in the 60s, low ceilings, poor layout, etc.

If the tenants are desirable, then we set down with them as the earliest possible time and layout a schedule for bring their rent back in-line with market.

Hey all,I'm coordinating well and septic inspections for an REO that's been winterized and am hoping the good folks here at BP can help me lay out the steps in the proper order.So far I have my contractor ready to dewinterize so the inspections can take place.

Almost a given considering the layout of the house that plumbing and wiring will need to be moved.