I've got a 240 zip code when the local zip codes are 218 and 701.

Many towns have not decided on what the new building codes will be and have not even started to let people rebuild even if they want to.

In the process of attempting to close this deal, I have been made uncomfortable more than once: starting with this otherwise immaculate property failing inspection due to electrical code compliance.While that was a bummer, it wasn't anything that $75 of GFCIs wouldn't handle.

Have them give you a few zip codes/cities they are looking for deals in and write down the address of junkie houses in those areas.

So, I need some advice on how to cut some on this project; here is the budget...............Demo- $2800Roof- $4800 (fix roof on addition and raise roof in kitchen)Gutters- $1200 (replace gutters)Siding- $3500 (replace with new siding)Exterior Doors- $1800 (replace 3 doors)Shutters- $600 (add to front windows)Exterior paint- $1500 (paint cinder block, trim, porch, columns, shed, etc)Landscaping- $700Windows- $3000 (replace all windows{14} except 3)Walls- $2500 (open up 2 walls from living room, dining room and kitchen)Drywall- $4500 (replace all ceilings, repair and patch as needed)Rough Electrical- $4800 (bring up to code, install new outlets, GFCI and ARC fault breakers, move electrical in basement to free up ceiling space)Finish Electrical- $1600 (replace all receptables, outlet covers, switches, switch covers, light fixtures, and ceiling fans)Rough Plumbing- $3500 (replace water heater, relocate/replace plumbing to free up basement ceiling space)Finish Plumbing- $700HVAC Rough- $4500 (Replace oil heating furnace and add AC unit)HVAC Finish- $400 (replace covers)Ductwork- $2500 (add new ductwork, registers, and grills)Kitchen- $10,000 (add bar style pennisula with cabinets, replace all cabinets, add grade A granite, create pantry, replace flooring, glass backsplash, new appliances)Bathroom #1- $3500 (bathroom #1 remodel)Bathroom #2- $4500 (basement bathroom creation with injector pump)Interior Paint- $2200Interior Doors- $600 (replace all with 6 panel)Baseboards- $3500 (replace all baseboards)Flooring- $4500 (replace with new hardwood)Carpet- $600 (in basement family room and bedroom)Finish Basement- $7500 (framing, insulation, drywall, trim, etc.)Leveling Basement Flooring- $5300 (tear up concrete and relevel)This is an older house with older doors, molding, finishes, etc.; nothing really has been updated.

Concentrate on the law, the code of ethics, and the rules of your MLS.

At another property I am looking into egress windows and fire escapes to utilize the third floor better- currently two units have their own space up there but can't be sleeping area per city code due to the lack of escape form the third floor.

What is a good site for researching the local rent payments say by zip code or other?

The tax code would be so complex that it would be over 73,600 pages of tax code, rules, and rulings, changing every year.

Hey Everyone,It took longer than I expected, but my first batch of yellow letters are finally done.I will be mailing Saturday, so people will receive early next week.For the first batch we used my just girlfriends name on the letters, she will be answering most of the calls while I'm at work, and since she wrote most of them it made sense.My list came from listsource, my criteria was the following: Total Assessed Value $1-$150,000 Last Market Sale Date 9/1/1900 - 9/1/2008 Property Type Residential: SFR Equity(%) 41 to 100 % Bedrooms 3-5 Absentee Owned ALL STATES Exclude TRUSTEEMy yellow letters were written with red ink on a 5 x 8 yellow legal pad, The envelopes were an A2 (4 3/8 x 5 3/4) in a Pastel Green color.I am mailing First Class USPS, with multiple stamps on each envelope to grab attention.The total number of letters sent is 330, Spread between 5 zip codes I am familiar with.