You can either look around online or go to Home Depot/Lowe's to get an idea of what materials will cost you.

I don't know how safe of a bet that is.

Google earth and street view can tell you a lot about an area without actually having to hit the street.After doing some online research you would be well served to burn a tank or two of gas to get a true feel.

My sources of income are as follows:1) Online poker.

If you don't keep an eye on your property managers, they will do things like cut corners on upkeep to make profits look higher and then you will get stuck with a big money repair down the road.Maybe your better bet is commercial property with long term NNN leases.

(I've worked in online web site development and programming for 20 yrs, but it's getting a little old and doesn't pay as well as it used to.)

For what it's worth here are my observations.........1- 80% of the information on investing in real estate being sold ranges from totally worthless to incorrect and or possibly illegal2- another 10% might work under some circumstances but either the recipient of the information needs a much more educated and experienced background than he is led to believe or the circumstances regarding the success of the method being sold are limited to a certain geographical area or a certain type of market3- the 10% of information that has value requires work, dedication, persistence, education to be used successfully.4- Certain types of individuals can self study utilizing free information available online and learn as much or more as any program or course will teach them5- most gurus are not currently successful using the methods they teach; they may have once been successful in a particular type of market or in a particular location, but they are not currently utilizing the method they teach successfully.

I have found 3 pre forclosures owners online and have sent messages, but wasn't sure if folks had more luck calling, sending letters or new media, which someone like me, is very comfortable.

She also mentioned that when they do come on-line, she gets 2-15 offers the next day.

I bet you can create your own better marketing documents, including pitch book and projections and everything!!