Mike Palmer Artificial turf is HOT.

Do not let the herd mentality make you feel like you need to buy something because you will lose out on a hot market etc.The investors I know who have been doing it for decades and decades are very controlled with their investing strategies.I had a client years ago who owned 300+ units spread across 10 buildings.

Folks get email notifications of a new listing, it shoots to the top of every list, everyone sees this property that is the FRESH HOT NEW ****.

The next step would be to work with the Realtor and determine the hot markets, in your County, with the greatest number of sales over the last 90 to 120 days.

The 2/3 side now has a raised platform of Trex like material (can get too hot for bare feet).  

This is many times the best way to get under contract on a short sale in a hot market.

Chico is a hot market and properties move fast if priced accordingly.

DFW is a hot market at the moment, so finding deals will be tough.

If he decided he was taken advantage of and complained to the real estate board, you could be in some hot water as that is an extreme commission.    

For instance if I am selling into a rising market that has been hot for some time I'd rather take that cash and pay tax on it with the thought of using it as capital for some other endeavor or to acquire more real estate later when the market cycles to a buyers market.Anyway, so on to the caveat.