That level of coaching and mentoring takes a lot of time.No one has the time to run their business, write articles for their site and great sites like BiggerPockets, answer questions that dozens of people email them each day and then on top of that teach someone everything they need to know to start, grow and run a successful business on the side ie "in their free time" and almost always on the other person's schedule.Every successful real estate investor that I know personally takes advantage of all the free resources they can get their hands on.

I don't consider myself stupid... maybe I should reconsider the assessment...

Here's the skinny:Features:2bd/1bth condo$97,900- what the bank is asking$129,900 tax assessed value$1,878 (2012 taxes-paid in full)Now then...If you were going to make an offer on this property what would you offer the bank?

So I owe 70K on that property, have 80K in coverage even though it's assessed at $140K, and no contents coverage, which lowered my total flood insurance bill down from almost $800 to $540.  

While you need to be consistant and fair in your assessment, use of finds can be a credit/income concern.

I bid on dozens and this is a good deal in my perspective (3BR/2BA $43k purchase price, HOA $200, $5k to fix up, rent for $850).

Now I typically do my own inspection while walking through a property and if I see anything out of place I'll bring in a professional to assess it and let the seller know I want it professionally repaired.

Your risk assessment is flawed IMO by not considering 1.

Note brokers are a dime a dozen.

"Special Assessments" will turn you upside down in a flash, so be sure there is a well qualified Reserve Study in place.