And again, if those "thin-but-positive" opportunities are on the retail market, everyone else will be jumping on them too.The investors I know having the most success right now source their own off-market deals by deploying some pretty sophisticated and very expensive marketing techniques--we're talking multiple thousands a month on a consistent monthly basis.

It is NOT the area that will make you successful (making money or building equity) - it is ALL ABOUT YOU and your skills as a real estate negotiator - it is up to you - not the area- to be able to control real estate at a profit - it is up to you to know how to liquidate that deal - DON'T look for excuses, don't blame the area - the money or your wife - the money making machine is YOU -- You make your money when you buy (I use the word "buy" but I mean CONTROL) The highest leverage technique you'll ever apply is controlling real estate and selling it WITHOUT ownership!

I'm sure a decent tile guy charges more in LA, vs. my area.If you are not familiar with construction techniques, labor and materail costs, I suggest you get with a contractor and get estimates.If you end up getting a 35K property that needs 35K in rehab and has a MV of 75K, that's not a deal.

The seller (a bank) suggested this "step-down" technique to me, as they did not want to do the deal my way, via "option to purchase".The first batch was to be 12 lots (I put 10% down on those 12 lots).I instead closed on 28 lots on the first batch of lots (as I had these 28 lots sold within two weeks!).

For example, what is the proper waterproofing technique at the window sill over stone for your climate?

As for learning techniques, there's Woodcraft, only a few blocks from my house. http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/582/woodcraft-of-l...

I was thinking about exploring some new techniques. 

I'm not rushing into anything RE related, but I keep her in the loop about every webinar I go to, Meetup I attend, technique I learn about.

Hello BP, I have been busy applying some of the techniques suggested here in this thread. 

Removal techniques may vary.The hardest to deal with was the painted over wallpaper.... can't score it and soak it.