I like your idea the best.We recently lost a good number of tools to a thief.

Read rich dad poor dad...but I am not that kind of risk taker...so I did it "my way".I don't do much deals in my slow ten years... but each are different, for education purposes.Condo...new construction...retail commercial complex... free standing retail commercialBuying...renting...selling...options.....contingencyI learn along the way.But a road map is better than just chugging a long in my opinionKey is not be the smartest tool in the shed...surround yourself with knowledgeable ppl

I was working like a dog in a tool and die apprenticeship and making decent money for a young guy.

Here is what the plumber and I did to see if we had a leak, check the house that every single valve is turned off, even the toilets, washer etc.Check the water meter and write down the number.Wait 30 minutesCheck the meter again, if it went up, you probably have a leak.The plumber had a listening tool and thought he found the leak, it was wrong.

I have properties in 3 statesBP has been really helpful and for you guys starting out, how lucky are you to have a tool like this.I've learnt more here in 30 days then my 12 yrs figuring it out on my ownThe biggest difference is, before BP I was learning what is relevant for me.

@Jesse I wouldn't touch Prosper's "quick invest" tools with a rocket Launcher.

And get a few angry emails from agents about lowball offers.We've also experimented with sending PDF contracts on every single property using automated mail merge tools.

I know my neighborhoods, i have a good idea of the type and condition of home im looking for and have been window shopping extensively with online mls tools, bank reo sites, and some drive by.Im comfortable with estimating and who/how things will be fixed and upgraded.I know my purchase and reno budget.Ive been researching and studying extensively and have a bit of "carryover" knowledge from other areas.My first sanity check questions for the group have to do with financing and an agent.

If so, I would take pictures, change the locks, and call it a day and re-rent it.If there's some stuff there and it's junk, I would discreetly get rid of it, take pictures, and deny (til you die) that there was anything there.If there's good stuff there (furniture, clothes, tools, appliances, medication, etc.)

Existing thread:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/80/topics/65934-looking-for-skip-trace-tools-to-track-down-sellers