This is a "hire someone" but getting someone to look at it before we need to put in an offer is tough in the local market and the contractor we usually use is unavailable do to family issues for the next two weeks.  2) Will it matter which direction the new stairs would run up the second floor in regards to the direction the joists run? 

That is why I like the balance transfer offers.

why no MLS  agents may have done a bunch of your homework up front.. just offer what makes sense to you.. me personally I would start with  the zoning maps and only look at props zoned for the size you want to create.. then work backwards.. no sense chasing deals without knowing the zoning up front.

I Initially offered pretty low, was rejected, and then waited about a month until they countered much closer to my offering price.

Rent.com offers ways to manage ads and attract renters.

Just be aware of the added services/costs, such as yearly inspection services, repairs, etc.

I realized that Deal Machine now offers free skiptracing with the pro subscription.

It is a little bit out of my niche so my question is what is the best way to get in contact with the homeowner of a distressed property to make a cash offer?

We have actually had multiple offers on a few of our rentals with one going $200 over list and that was listed $700 over 3 years ago.

If it were mine I would replace the roof, including any roof decking underneath the shingles that need to be replaced, and look into the cost of doing a ridge vent at the top.As far as the air conditioning system , you might be replacing a well built heavy duty unit with something that has a much shorter service life and instead of using freon it uses some incredibly expensive chemical .