It sounds like between that and reading here in the forum would be sufficient.....I still have some time to learn, because prices havent fallen enough here in Ca to make positive cash flow possible..

It really is best to positively seal them off.

Contractors (such as they are) are just CHEAP in some areas.Got a friend that just bought a 3 flat for next to nothing in Indiana, and another investor that just got hold of a $1.6MM multi-family property (valued at $1.6)-- 100% owner financed and the positive cash-flow is a little over $9K per month.Another guy is buying all over the place- not meth labs, either- for $5,500 ; $8,000 and getting crazy prices- rehabbing them for $3,000 to $15,000 and getting $30K and up.

Your credit, you cash position, your handyman skills or licensed (some people are licensed contractor's) will also make a difference.Good luck and keep posting.John Corey

In business, you MUST have a positive cash flow or you're out of business.

If your Realtor doesn't support your position find another realtor!!!!!!

Again not advised.There are many positives to being a hard money lender.

Now a year + later, I'm in a position to where the payments are eating me alive and I've had to dip into what savings I have left just to keep payments current.

There are also legal issues in that certain changes to a loan could trigger a chance in the liens position (some modifications are in effect treated as a new loan so the recording date moves).The trusts who are holding paper that has lost significant value (mark to market pricing) will be only too willing to agree changes in the trust provisions if the change will significantly improve the value of the asset.

Hi folks,I am interested in building my net worth and probably focus on rental properties - though it is pretty much impossible (seems that way anyways) to find positive cash flow properties where I live.I guess I have always been interested in investing, but never done anything about it.