Myself and the investors that I wholesale houses to don't live local to the properties I find, so I ALWAYS advocate getting a home inspection, because neither of us actually physically see the house prior to closing.

I was instructed that this information is part of the public domain so I would be happy to provide it for anyone interested.

Just know the laws and do not assume that prior success at speeding means you will not get a ticket.John Corey

Be mindful that your lender will evaluate your property's cash flow and operating expenses prior to making a decision to lend and guidelines don't allow for estimates or the law of averages (sidebar---I would be interested in seeing some data on this national average of 45-50% you speak of).

Real Property Valuation Guidelines (IRS instructions to their employees) 1.

I honestly would find a realtor prior to taking possession, and write up the contract to relisting it for the same take I take possession of it.

Always do a thorough check to make sure the property is in acceptable condition prior to handing over any cash.But I would venture to say deadbeat tenants greatly outnumber deadbeat landlords still.

I am looking for a good book on analyzing markets prior to entering them, but the only one I've found is from 2001:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0874208688/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-2402159-5392948?

Any information or comments from prior experience would be greatly appreciated.

Every time you have a vacancy you will wind up doing something prior to the next tenant.