The goal being to have some cash flow, some tax breaks, and another source building equity.

The stock market is very nearly an efficient system (that is, there are few real "deals" out there, because changes in a companies value are almost instantly reflected in its price) so your only real source of income is long-term appreciation (or maybe dividends if you go with a more conservative portfolio).

Disgruntled and suffering landlords are one excellent source of desperate sellers.

The MLS sheet listed the sq ft. source as "per public record", so on Monday I'm going to go to town hall and look at that public record.

It is definitely one of the most genuine sources of real estate information I have come across, next to my local REIA meetings.

Tell you what the best source is always the neighbors.

Mike,Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but you are wondering what the best deal out there is and you are a financier and your site gives sources of 100%+ financing.

REOs, estate auctions, foreclosure auctions, tax sales, etc can also be sources of great deals.There are many sources of desperate sellers and great deals.

Scott's estimate of about 72 hours is a fair time frame for professionals to do the due dillegence for you.You have the right to choose another lending source.

When I fanally found a deal with 20K equity in it he got cold feet and I got discouraged.Now I'm back looking for more knowledge and funding sources.