That's not to say they don't exist but it will take a good deal of hustling to find and get them.In some areas in the region you can see signs that prices are leveling off. 

There are some great books on estimating too, I have one that I could lone you if you like... but a lot if it comes down to material and labor costs... which are always local/regional... so there's no "one true estimate" source.

There's many of good tips and such that they can help with in the mid Michigan region.

Build local and regional portfolio and then expand outwardsFirst investmentComfortable with the 'Buy-hold-rent', cash-flow approach.

My advice, would be too look to a regional or local credit union, that will do you 10 conventional mortgages.

@Alex Franks Amen Alex..LOL ..We are now living in the J-hook region....People move down to Florida from up North then hook back to GA.

I know that his end amount was in the region of $800k.

I personally focus on New Orleans but I am also looking to expand into Minneapolis in the near future to get a better regional risk diversification.... don't want something like Katrina slamming all my properties at once. 

If you are ever in the Niagara Region just look me up and we can share some ideas over a coffee or lunch.

The location was a few miles south of USC.You can ask him to put you on his to call list also.Luis GuevaraBroker AssociateLg Real Estate GroupKeller Williams Pacific Estates562--- 283----5848Good luck!