Determine which size homes are most profitable to flip, then buy the ugliest home in the neighborhood that will still qualify for FHA financing.

Every type of loan has different requirements that will determine your maximum purchase price.

Once you have that income number in place you can then look at expenses and debt service on the property and determine if it makes any sense.

Originally posted by @Bill Gulley:If you buy a place for 200K and that is determined to be the market value and you find some sucker to pay 250K, you're into predatory dealing waters.  

There are a lot of John Jones out there so you certainly need a way to determine which John Jones is applying.

This is where it gets fun.I can't predict markets but I can determine if a deal has value-money.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any trouble using BiggerPockets, or need any help determining how best to connect with folks!

The IRS code specifically states that retirement accounts can invest in real estate not just equities.http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Retirement-Pla... 

It would also amend the Truth in Lending Act with respect to minimum standards for residential mortgage loans, to prohibit, in determining whether a residential mortgage loan is a qualified mortgage, from applying to loans originated by such a person certain guidelines and regulations relating to ratios of total monthly debt to monthly income.

In my experience, there aren't many agents who will be helpful with this process other than assisting in determining value.Good luck.