And, of course, June 1 is the official beginning of Hurricane Season.Did I mention our year-round fault lines?......

It has a 3 yr old roof, windows and 3 yr old cabinets.What am i doing:Painting interiorChanging doors to 6 panel from flatNew carpetNew vinylNew light fixtures throughoutChanging elec panel so I can install a new heat pumpAdding new counters( not sur laminate or stone, probably laminatr)The bathroom is my expense- new tin surround, new vinyl, new toilet, new vanity and fixtures.I have line itemed everything from HD and Lowes, Sherwin Williams.The main thing is who was selling the house: it was not listed for sale, it was not on MLS, the city housing authority has gotten stuck with a ton of houses and they want to get rid of them.I think I have a heck of a deal.I will keep you posted.

I would like to add that I find very helpful information on blogs and always take note of the author.

Both of my REOs were officially 'winterized' and yet had many broken pipes.

Since I officially started looking, I've really come across some brokers from every end of the spectrum.

I want to officially make the offer, because the most they can tell me is 'no'.

Personally, I'm not ready to be that official yet, but when I am, I'll have no qualms about it.

I use renting authority because they pull a full credit report for about $25.00.

And yes, you want to shop aggressively and continually for the best insurance rates, and you want to be tenacious in appealing to the tax authorities for assessments, and you want to be ruthless in getting the best deals on contractor and material fees, and on turning over a unit as cheaply as possible.

I'll be taking the state exam at the end of this month, passing that will enable me to become 'official' :) I better pass the 1st time because they charge $125 each time you have to take it.....