On realtor.com I see a couple 2 beds in Eau Claire that look to be in decent condition listed for 39k-49k and from looking at the craigslist Rental section, a cursory view looks like rent on 2 bed houses in your town can run about $600 a month.

'Twas the night before elections 'Twas the night before elections and all through the town Tempers were flaring, emotions all up and down!

I'm looking to acquire a small 4 unit building in the town my step son goes to college, to defray the cost of his housing.

In addition, agents talk to each other, and I suspect that your name would be trashed all around town if you went around your agent.I have bought a bunch of REOs and the fact is that dealing with banks is extremely frustrating.

Heard a lot of you folks escaped the hurricane in that part of town.

(5 local banks have MOUs or C&Ds within the past month) I have been to EVERY bank in town.

To add to what Mike said, remember that every town in every city and in every state has it's own DNA.

It involves a great deal of know-how and work, not just signing some documents and then listing/re-listing the property.I hope there isn't a wave of wanna-be investor's cleaning out their life savings to go prospecting in an area of town they know nothing about.

Adding my voice to the mix, I also agree as an investor you need to explore all possiblilites.

The following are possible answers with some possible conditions:1.Out of town owner – unfamiliar with current market conditions2.Incompetent to negotiate – power of attorney3.Passed away/executor of estate – quick sale, legal authority4.Real estate broker or organized selling entity – it may be overpriced.5.Bank officer or foreclosure agency personnel dept. – lower your offer6.Sophisticated lease optioning reseller/investor – big bad wolf!