I'm working with a small lending firm (recommended by my RE agent) and we're getting close to "locking" the interest rate.

AND even if I lock the rate and payment, I can still borrow against the line again as I pay down the principal.

I just locked in on a 30 year fixed for under 6%.

Looking for RE deals before they come on the market — RE investors locked up contracts on 3 properties I was about to put and offers on this week, RE agent didn’t even see them coming... any thoughts on how to remain FIRST in line?

If you ever have any tips, I'm all ears!

Vacancy - Rent rate and occupancy rate go hand-in-hand - monitor REVPAR per weekday/weekend/month to really know how you're doingutilities including wifi and surveillance - ideally with remote monitoring and locked in at reasonable temps, smoking/noise/party detectors perishable supplies (paper, coffee, soaps, etc.), linens (towels, sheets, comforters - they need to be thrown out every 3-12 months), Lawn care - not just mow and blow, but garden beds tooPest control - 80/qtr furniture - it doesn't last forever.Maintenance - normal + changing light bulbs, fixing furniture, loose doorknobs, etc.Administrative software - dynamic pricing engine, guest communication system Hosting fees - this is not a passive model.

If you did not know the City will have the Electric company remove your electric meters and put locks on natural gas meters after a fire.

My initial plan before this was to send a certified letter introducing myself, request a copy of their current lease, tenant information, change locks and provide new keys, provide new rent payment address, make sure the property is in decent condition and honor previous lease until it's over. 

Secure the property: change the locks, post no tresspassing signs and board up if necessary.

Paul and have my ear to the ground as an agent/investor.