What I meant by seasoned investor is someone who has been investing in real estate for sometime and has very good knowledge of the different types of real estate investments.I always believed in trying to work SMART and hard in almost everything I do.

It's really low risk if you buy smart and know you can cover your mortgage during the absolute worst case scenario.

I want to learn as much as I can about making smart investment decisions and gathering cash producing assets.

Do you think it's possible (or smart) to attempt to get them to get rid of the large dog?

I have not felt unsafe in any of these "areas to avoid", though even if it should go without saying, I use basic street smarts when rolling through any familiar or unfamiliar area.  

Still a very interesting read nonetheless.http://seekingalpha.com/article/3132856-housing-bubble-2-investor-purchases-hit-record-small-investors-pile-in-smart-money-gets-out?

we will use my smart move.com. but that still leaves checking references, and past landlords, etc.

Would putting a duplex under section 8 housing in a bad neighborhood be a smart deal?

No bonus system needed, really, if they are smart, they will calculate that risk.

If the seller cannot understand why you would want to do this than I would walk away, even if the seller is your friend.As a seller, if he is smart, he will realize that he has a qualified buyer (you) that fell into his lap and that if you want an agent and he loses 2.5-3% so what?