I live in the northeast and not much is moving/up for sale due to winter right around the corner so I am thinking that soon may be a good time to throw a few low ball offers out there and see if anyone bites. 

Before you throw $500 at the idea make sure you have the data. 

The stars will align at some point.As long as you're not throwing darts at a board you'll be alright. 

Hello all,
I have just started considering investing in rental properties. Before asking the question I think it is better to describe my goal or what I am looking for from real estate investment. I do not want to be...

Don't look at it as throwing away money to get a bid on something you wont fix yourself.

But they are cheap.....

We don't want cheap quality finishes but we don't need $400 a square foot finishes either. 

A little secret about contractors: good ones screen their potential customers just like a wise real estate investor would wish to screen their potential tennats.first things first I wouldn't tell any contractors that your an investor and that you have a ton of work you can throw their way.

Hopefully the security deposit covered most of the damage (at least it’s a pretty cheap make ready. that’s really not a lot more than a simple repaint or recarpet  could run.) it’s mostly the missed rent and vacancy that’s a real killer. 

Stay neutral, 3 beds/2 baths, less yardwork, I avoid pools to rent out afterwards.If you don't necessarily care if it's a mil family...throw all that out the window. lol.