I'm also pricing the rent at $50-75 below market and asking the tenants to do minor maintenance.Yes, this disqualifies many prospects, but helps ensure that I get better and stronger tenants.

Simple supply and demand.

Welcome back to BP Nation Debbie which gets stronger and stronger each day.

Now, with a stabilizing democracy in Asia within relative eyesight of Iran and pro-democracy American influence in the region that is much stronger than anti-democracy, overt Communist influence - Iran really does stand a much better chance of a Constitutional Revolution that lasts.

Ex driving to the the hardware store for supplies?

Found as far away from FL as Alaska, and still was in supply houses as late as 1st quarter of this year.

You will certainly need to have a solid relationship with any realtor who supplies expireds to you, so that they can believe they will be compensated.Appraisers also have MLS access.Here is a recent thread that is related:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/34158-realtor-side-mls-access-requirements

buy side of transaction: purchase price: 150K cash (as before) your partner supplies 70% of the equity, and gets 70% of upside you supply 30% of the equity (as before) sell side of transaction: selling price: 225K (as before) down payment (5%): 11.25K land contract for 95% (213.75K) at 7% APR, amortized for 30 years, with a 5-year balloon escrow the title, and hold it deed in lieu sell that note for 80% of its value This way you won't have to wait 20--or even 5--years to pay off your partner, and you both will get paid much sooner.

My local bank requires a LTV ratio of 65% and will supply the debt needed.

BUT I purposely used materials to the city's standard for decks: larger joists, heavier plywood, and I think stronger beams and uprights.