Well I am successful because I don't gamble.

Simply supply your help with a calling list, a script to use on the phone, and a way to conveniently and accurately record the results of each phone call.

One commenter said flipping houses isn't investing...I consider it gambling.

Don't apologize...just provide some data to support your opinions...You said at the beginning of this that it is ILLEGAL to wholesale REO properties...and multiple people have asked you to provide the specific statute that prohibits this activity.After much back and forth, you then went on to admit that it is -- in fact -- not illegal (despite your original contention), but violates REO contracts.Now you are being argumentative about other points that are completely unrelated.It's that anyone here isn't appreciative of your opinion...it's just that bad information is worse than no information, and people here have livelihoods that depend on this info, so getting accurate information is essential.I'll point out one more time that, as a lawyer, if you believe something is illegal, you should be able to provide a statute that supports that claim.

This costs thousands of dollars and lenders have no interest in gambling that a judge will rule in favor of a big bank over a a family of four who lost their home and probably nest egg.

But it nevertheless discusses some very important statistical things that are important to know if you wish to trade options (if you wish to make money in the long run).And Tom, your advice about buying puts and calls being too much of a gamble is not correct.

finest expert, zillow, and most of the internet based quick value web sites are normally quite a bit off, Finestexpert in my experience in my area is pretty accurate on rental rates, this is just my area, you need to be very comfortible with the price you come up with, and no website is going to just give you the magic number.

In fact, I find it more accurate there than in SFR's of higher income properties.That said, there are many factors that you should adjust for when using this rule on apartments and the main one is the current occupancy rate.

Nothing is foolproof.In an interview with Richard Branson he talked about quantitative risk.Smart risk is a measured and controlled risk People live by fear of making a bad decision so many times they do nothing.Instead you can take most of the fear away by getting accurate information to make the best informed decision possible.Even Warren Buffet has invested in some stinkers over his time.You learn the most from your failures.Over time if you have more successes than failures with controlled investing you will do well.

http://www.trulia.com/crime/#Pretty interesting, seems fairly accurate for my neck of the woods.