Both units need work, but I think the property has great potential.

I just wanted to introduce and give a quick background on myself, as well as say how excited and appreciative I am for having such an immense and deep source of Real Estate Investing knowledge and community all in one place here on BiggerPockets.I'm Alex Little.

I would be looking at outlying areas with the largest potential for growth in the next 10 years.

Should I worry about a potential mechanical Lein on the property?

Hi, I wanted to know how you guys generally calculate the estimated repairs of a house that you are looking at, or if you browsing on classifieds and stumble across a house that has potential, how do you calculate the repairs? 

Im interested in specifically buy and hold properties with the potential to appreciate in value. 

It may be another avenue for you to look at, and potentially a bit more secure on your end.

The ONLY way your gonna find deals is to have a marketing budget and to actually market to potential sellers.

We want to invest in buy and hold properties, but we feel that pursuing this strategy will better benefit our long-term goal due to the potential cash flow and appreciation of a property (if we buy right).

Too many people pay $30k for a guru to tell them everything, but if you can "sacrifice" $10-$20k of potential profit, you will have real-world experience, relationships AND the ability to go to private money or bank financing with and actual track record.