I'm looking at a duplex I just found today about 30 min south of Chicago. Not quite the suburbs but a decent town. Seller is asking $35k but the property also had $12k in back taxes due. Obviously the taxes have to...

My initial observation was that the hard money guys understood real estate, people's motivations and were generally better prepared to weather the economic cycles.

There have been so many red flags, yet I would hate to lose out on someone who is willing to buy my property at a fair market value while Im motivated to sale.

Ask some general questions but look to find out their motivation to sell.

Lastly, owner may simply be a motivated seller for a variety of reasons.

I think we all wish that we could just mail out 3000 pieces of mail and find someone motivated.

Marc F, and a few others, but not anyone unless they were taught, shown and could get with it.The problem is that you may be dealing with other brokers, they take a slice, you really need to find the sellers and if they aren't motivated, motivate them.

However, my expertise has always been private sellers or most often referred to as motivated sellers.

Real estate related books are usually only $10-$20 through Amazon, and will also expand your mind more than a quick class will.These style courses usually only get you excited and motivated to more forward.

After walking through the house with the owner and having good conversation, it basically turns out that they were not motivated sellers.