I'm hearing in my market that some rental properties can sit empty for months because the properties are just not competitive enough to perform well and the managers have to discount rents and offer 1 month free rent etc.

Question is, do I go straight to the listing agent with my offer or call the seller back first?

Incredibly deep Abyss to look into and inform oneself about with a myriad of information to go through.So far:Accredited Investors are defined by the SEC as having $200,000 of annual income per individual ($300,000 per couple) with the expectation of that continuing, or a net worth of more than $1 million, excluding the value of the primary residence.Ive also included some information straight from the SEC below and their link.Hope this helps others in a brief breakdown, so far on what is being an Accredited Investor in short.Here's the link:http://www.sec.gov/Here is a quick breakdown of what Ive learned so far on Accredited Investors:

The market is hot for buyers (which is key to flipping, you need a sellers market for best results) and you need a market that has motivated sellers and distressed sales to get great discounts at purchase.

You must understand that while you and others with enough experience can easily grasp what you have stated, I believe it takes away from the intent of teaching those much newer, the concept of buying at discounts and how we make profits.Time and again, I see people paying prices for homes to flip here in So Cal and for the life of me, I am trying to figure out how the hell they will not lose money much less make any money.Again, I am not on disagreement with the principles you have stated, I just felt it was more confusing than helpful to most readers.

I bought 5 duplexes as a LOT to end the estate sale at a big discount of $100,000 off asking price.

The paperwork for a note sale is rather simple and straight forward.

Hedge against inflation (your property price inflates with the economy, not just the cash you used.)Purchase at a discount."

I'd have to buy at a discount if nothing else and that brings us back full circle to buying distressed properties at discount.

Some owners offer financing for a straight up sale, but not with a lease purchase.