So that'll offset some of the advantage.

Detroit's economic recovery depends on it once again becoming a competitive place to do business-- and that means more than just running ads in Chicago television stations paying lip-service to the idea that Michigan is a great place to do business.

The advantage for a lot of us that are still in the game- is that a whole bunch of investors are out of it now.The market cool-down means it's time to get back to basics, time to sharpen the skills again, and get hot!

Hence the folks who can spend 40 or more hours checking the local properties will have an advantage over someone who works and travels outside the area.

Rich people, no competition.

Not owning the property is an advantage to this situation IMO.3) If you default on a property you own, bank forecloses on you.

I was thinking about getting an agent, one who already does there own thing but then using that person as "our agent" and when we want offers etc. presented, having "our guy" do itORjust going to straight to the selling agent.Is there any real advantage to having our own person?

Right now I'm trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can from school, RE books, etc, to try and gain a competitve advantage.

So, I'm getting that advantage for a standard shingle price--about half the cost of the "cool" shingles.

For those of us trying to get off the ground it seems to me any advantage you can find you should take advantage of....right?