@Jeremy Peters, I am just starting my journey on pre-foreclosure REI door knocking in Dallas myself so curious to follow your progress.  

Q3:  Because my move-out was still in progress when they moved in, I dropped the rent $100/mo (without really discussing it with them in advance) to compensate for the inconvenience and for the minor utilities I would use while there (maybe $10/mo).  

@nikki @Nikki Greene welcome to BP and congrats on the progress with the single families!

The neighborhood was also clearly in the path of progress and I have seen a year of ridiculous rent growth (1k / month increase since purchasing it).The second property we traded a few months back when my tenants approached me with an offer to buy.

A few weeks ago I put up a golden ghost ad up Craigslist and I got about 15 people on my list begging for deals so I've made a bit of progress.

As it progresses it will not only be about real estate, but the business of real estate touching on related aspects of finance, accounting, economics, marketing, insurance, government influences and law.

After about the 6th day you can cut a few "probing holes" into the wall cavities in areas that you consider hard to dry, to see if you are satisfied with the progress. 

Stay in contact with the city as to your progress and go from there.

I just don't know which would be more effective towards future progress.

Great OPM strategyMike and Cody, keep me posted on your progress!