I am a Realtor/Investor specializing in Maricopa County, AZ.

They are both social and networking where you can meet mortgage people and real estate agents that specialize in investment property as well as handymen, property managers, and many other people that might be of service to you at one point or another.

You want to know going in what the deal is with the tenant (rent amount, payment date, deposits, specials agreed, assumptions about who lives there, and other things like cars in the front yard or motor repairs in the kitchen).John Corey

I think stagers are becoming more and more important, especially in this tough market.

I think there's a special section for that.

But, pretty tough to do that with real estate.Personally, I do think we're just seeing the start of a downturn.

Thanks John-I replied to your PM.For the other readers, I do the following (without URLs):Forums I participate in:Bigger PocketsAgents communityReal Estate Webmaster ForumBlogs I write on:My websiteActive RainOther social networking sites I try to comment on to make sure I am getting my name/website out there:TechnoratiMyBlogLogZillowTruliaAnd then I am trolling around looking for other place to post.Actually, I really have a tough time finding any other Blogs that talk more than a post or two about investment real estate.

I specialize in financing for real estate investors and am lucky the company I work for has been well run and is great shape even with the industry in this condition.

I understand what your saying though the market I specialize in sometimes involve individuals who have no problem making money.

In both cases the market was not that strong yet we sold out at a premium because of the unit being in demand even in a slow market.Buying off-plan is one way to buy but it comes with its own special considerations.John Corey