Scoping out neighborhoods is a survival tactic for me.Physical signs that I look for -* Dumpsters* Contractors coming and going* Elimination of poverty industry (Check cashing places, title pawns, pawn shops) in favor of more bohemian establishments (Coffee shops, box stores, cafes, etc.)* Clean-up and neighborhoods taking care of themselves.

You will use this percentage to figure and multiply it by the following household expenses: maintenance, interest, property taxes, insurance, and utilities.

You might be better off using an eviction service.They will be cheaper and go to court for you and handle the trashing out and serving of the eviction.You won't find an attorney getting dirty they will just shuffle papers and show up in court.In fact I have had judges rule against attorneys and enjoyed our cases much more as we were on the ball.Some attorneys feel "special" just because they hold a law license and are below par in their performance.I tell them the eviction is filed regardless of promise of payment.I tell them you can always pay at the court hearing and I can drop the case.If you don't you will get stories like I can pay you 600 and get caught up this week and then you hear stuff like I only have 300 because such and such happened.Then they get further and further behind.They need to pay me in full and go cold with the utilities,or do without internet,cell phone,cable..

I do a credit check and only look for outstanding major utility bills, no eviction filings within the last 48 months, 10 year national criminal background check, no serious misdemeanors or felonies, 100 year for sex offenses.

I've placed what I thought were good tenants in my rentals only to have them make a mess and leave me with utility bills.

So far I've been happy with it, but I'm still learning the ins/outs to utilize the full potential.

Now I'm working on owning the majority of rental property in the town I've established myself in.Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

You will have to have it resurveyed to establish boundary lines and legal descriptions for each lot.

Utilities for all apartments would be separate.I asked the local codes enforcement what would change if I did make this into a three unit and he warned me that I would be required to have a sprinkler system in all units and an alarm system.

I have not spoken to the owner yet (but will) but my friend also said that the property has had full vacancy for over 3 years (mostly elderly people), Utilities are metered individually, refrigerator, gas range, washer/dryer hookup in each unit.