Having the right skills and knowledge give you opportunities those without the skills won't see or be able to take advantage of when they come along.One of Gladwell's examples is Jewish lawyers in New York in the 50's (I may have my date wrong, my copy is at work.)

I wonder why TX feels there is much of an advantage to keeping the sale price private?

See what the competition is doing.

You mostly want to be near the top compared to the competition.

Plaurent,Thanks for the examples of the tax advantages associated with historic refurbishment.I had read a bit about this before.

But pursuing (common) law that might advantage you is a separate issue.

Third the builders here continue to build new housing again flooding the market with competitive priced new homes that can be purchased for what a house built 12 + years ago.Even with all of this going on I believe I have found a niche where I can invest.Hope that answers your question.

I am not opposed to competition but this business is not for everyone!

By the time I finish all the work on the property, it's already under contract and on the way to the closing table (minimal holding cost, or none whatsoever).There's a lot of competition out there.

Its really too bad im not in the usa your RE market seems sick, i see all those crazy deals and i bite my tongue for not beeing able to take advantage of them.