I was really surprised because the neighborhood was amazing and the house only needed cosmetics on the inside and massive landscaping on the outside.I spent a few more hours and drove around more “high glam” popular neighborhoods and found quite a few more just like this – with the mysterious white stickers and ghostly appearances of an extreme lack of human care.

I wouldn't mind paying more for landscaping for the pond and I am sure others feel the same way.

for example, many high price properties take longer to sell, so the DOM will be > 90, yet most of those would never provide positive cash flow.If in the 'hood, it's probably a rental.If it has lots of landscaping, probably better as a flip.The key metric: can the rent for that specific property in that specific location support positive cash flow?

I agree with Shiller that—based on the economy, demographics, the foreclosure inventory currently existing, and the 3-5M more foreclosures coming— we are not at the bottom and prices can go down another 10-20%.

If that $85 power-washer only lasts a few months, it was hardly a bargain.Otherwise, yes, we use Craigslist for advertising, minimize landscaping with use of mulch and gravel, and like to keep to newer buildings (post '78 will usually avoid lead).

Doesn't need any major work, just some landscaping, some paining, a few small things need to be replaced.

Because marketing is the easiest thing to do.In today's market (where qualified owner occupant buyers are few and far between), not marketing on the MLS means losing a substantial percentage of your buyer demographic.

Most properties in this area would sell for around $300,000 but in many instances the city tax would be less.Joe, there are many areas of upstate NY that could work but I have not found one with the demographics and opportunity I am looking for.

If you are using day laborers to dig ditches, landscape, clean, etc. just use a bunch of different ones so that you don't pay any one person more than $600.For laborers that you pay more than $600 then you will need to file a 1099 when you do taxes (Turbo Tax or Quick Books can do the 1099s), but you need their SSN and other information (W9).If you are paying a company, such as ABC Glass Company, or XYZ Window Company then you do not have to do anything for taxes.

New Kitchen, new carpet, new paint, new landscaping (front lawn and back lawn), new bathrooms (2) and new Windows (all 9 of them).