Keeping in mind you want to sell the property within a reasonable amount of time, look for the average home.

Reprinted with permissionWhen choosing an area where to buy a rental property, there are several things to consider including, distance from your home, supply of potential tenants, average rents you can collect and the ability of tenants in that area to pay you.I would choose property where people want to live, close to shops, parks and decent schools, and in a well-kept neighborhood.

Presenting a deal that you can't explain to the average moron in less than 30 seconds is probably not going to get the courtesy of a counter offer.

Owner gave me a WD and I started making the payments of $368.41 on the 1st mortgage & $130.88 on the 2nd mortgage.I sold the property for $89,900 on contract for Deed in 60 days $3,500 down & $604.12 @7 1/2% for 30 years My Return: Paid -$998.58 Down payment +$3,500 = $2,501.42 (Half to owner) Payment =$499.29 * Contract Payment =$604.12 * Positive cash flow $104.83 (Half to owner) In my pocket $252.13 up front & $52.42 per month x30 year = $18,869Why Would A Seller Sell To Me - The seller was motivated I found his pain and provide him the best solution I actually increase his credit score I gave him $1,250 cash in pocket I make all his payments I send him a check once a year for $629You still can profit on deals that have no equity by knowing what the average rents are in the area and if they exceed the mortgage payment, you can great a positive cash flow.I did this deal on a property that had a retail value of 497k in California with an appraised value of 562k and the monthly payment was $3,426.31 and she owed 510k and the average rent's in the area pulled $4,750 and it cost me $10, 800 to bring her current and I gave her another $5,000 for the deed. $10,800 to bring current $5,000 for the deed $5,700 for carpet and paint $750 for other costTotal out of pocket $22,250 to take control of a 500k plus property based on appraised valueI did a lease option for 5 years at a lease option purchase price for $549,000 with 25k down and $4,500 a month with 25k towards the purchase and $500 a month credit towards the purchase of the home.

Reprograming your mind to look at money and success in a different way than most average people.

My average tenant stayed 5+ years and I ALWAYS got higher than market rents.all cash

My salaried job paid me more than the average agent earned, with lots less expenses and hassles.Now I don't worry about agents not returning my phone calls.

IMO, most RE agents, like most other people are way below average!

Average car costs $25K or so, payments in the $400/month range, most people finance for LONGER than they'll keep the car.

The local people were my early role models because I could chat with them and see that this real estate stuff actually worked for the "average joe".