Both of those cities are experiencing major revitalization of older, core areas, and we aren't even talking about areas that had become war zones.  

Do what you know and enjoy, getting creative doesn't necessarily make you more money, it likely means you are taking on more risk and playing a game you aren't prepared for.Everyone's goal in real estate is to create a machine, where in, you stick $1 in the front and it spits $1.20 out the back. 

All of the "benefits" for the landlord that you listed for allowing a potential renter to pull their own reports, aren't benefits at all in my opinion. 

I want to avoid California, and states where real estate is super expensive, and states that have laws that aren't conducive to this kind of business. 

You can typically find areas that aren't covered as well or find research that conflicts with the responses in those other papers. 

Most aren't selling because they see a bubble, and want to lock in their profits before said bubble pops.I highly suggest you use the BP Rental Calculator, and start playing with the numbers and see what numbers work for you.

Cheers, Steve First Q: Big bank and national call center lenders usually have an IQ somewhere between a beat and a cabbage (though there is some BP talent on the national call center front causing me to question that), so no they probably aren't going to be able to understand that. 

If you are planning on getting into something like wholesaling, there aren't many perks of getting licensure.

As the middle-man in the deal, aren't you basically also acting as a guarantor, and wouldn't you therefore be held responsible for paying rent until the tenant was evicted, or reimbursing the property owner for repair?

Mainly because the comps aren't truly reflecting all the land in addition to the 2600 sq ft house.