You just need to calculate the numbers and see what works best for your scenario.

I would bet you that someone like Will B who is a huge contributor to this site would put up a profile pic if asked or required.

Obviously you know that your best bet is with an agent that belongs to MLS.

You can only hedge your bets with option strategies.

Just a quick point... the 50% NOI calculation includes vacancy.Numbers seem solid and I agree with your cap expenditures though based on what I have read you would probably want to create an escrow/savings account as those expenses will come and that would put you in great position to deal with them.Not sure what the whole side deal is with your brother but the numbers seem to add up.

I bet some of them are people looking to assign the option.

Bet not.You could possibly rent it out and sell it as a turnkey investment to an unwitting investor from out-of-state, for a large profit.

Some of them were betting against the very loans they were making by buying credit default swaps.

Nathan - how do I go about calculating the GOI?

David,When I estimate vac/repairs I like to be a little conservative so I usually calculate 10% vac and 10% maintenance.