So this meant spending $ modernizing the place, including filling in a sunken wetbar in the main living room that was straight out of the 70's! 

I hated when a vacancy occurred, because I knew that meant I would be on my hands and knees, scrubbing the dirty tile and cleaning toilets.

That last sentence is not meant to demean or devalue the advice you'll find here on BP or the myriad books that have been published to give someone like yourself well-honed advice.  

Its meant to be long term so I think I've only made $30 in a few months or so.

The homes I have bought from owners and not banks, the owners simply wanted them gone and wanted nothing to do with more length of ownership even if it meant a little more money.

Scott, what @Daniel Dietz meant is that you are in total control of your retirement monies when you use truly self-directed Solo 401k plan.

Sorry,I meant to clarify that it was the Overbrook neighborhood in Philadelphia.

Oops I meant to tag Jerry K in my post above.Jerry Wrote:If the owner does not sell to you, you could track down one of the older lien holders and offer to buy their lien for the amount they paid plus interest.I am not the typical tax lien investor because my goal is to get the property.

Our atty did rec. us, so I am not sure if that meant anything or not.

But they are stating that was meant for waleather not bullets.