I found this thread out there a little.I don't see people making more money in less time lazy through systems and processes.While those processes shouldn't define a person they are important to have in place and constantly be refining.Re-inventing the wheel every time is asking for lost time and additional work that is not needed.To the original poster it is YOUR MONEY.Take what everyone says with a grain of salt.Then determine what you would feel comfortable doing because if it goes South you wouldn't be losing their money.I look at this the same way conducting business as a commercial broker.If someone calls me up and is looking for a one in a thousand property I am sure it can be done.How long and how much time to get there is debatable.I don't personally base business models on long shots.I want to know when I put time in that my chances of getting a return are very high.It seems like this flipping business is getting tougher and tougher.I have been having many investors from across the country telling me that flips are getting to be more competitive and dried up.The volume is going down and they are tired of dealing with home buyers.They are looking for commercial properties to move to a different niche of investing.I can tell you I wouldn't want to hold SFR house rentals as an exit if it doesn't sell.I do find it interesting to hear what different residential flippers are doing on deals though.

Leon DWhen creating relationships with other wholesalers and realtors, just make sure you know that you are there to help them, and to work with them, not as competition.

Upside easier to get market values, easier to see if there is a viable market before going, a little competition is always a good thing?

Agreed with Karen...If you're experienced, your chances of success working directly with the owner/agent is increased.Of course, also like Karen said, if you aren't experienced, you could get taken advantage of this way...and may want your own agent just to protect your interests.

There is opportunity to take advantage of some people in wholesaling, I strongly urge you NOT to do it.

Hopefully that will be enough to beat the competition besides keeping the place clean and safe.

-$86/month is not the end of the world I guess but can be a deep cut for someone / some sort of advantage for you Scott W. should be you own anytime this condo without any debt, so you learn the hard way-Uwe

Are they creating value for consumers or just taking advantage of a fleeting opportunity in the wake of a real estate meltdown?

The gurus take advantage of this and pure fuel onto the dream.

Just don't get taken advantage of when getting started.