Some banks like them, some won't touch them.Another thing to watch out for is that if you appraise within the 6 month window the appraiser may use the sale of the beat up house as a comp!

Perhaps in this case the percentage that the Realtor collects for the sale of the home might need to be increased?

^Loaded question.....Most popular methods are direct mail, driving for dollars, auctions, tax and foreclosures sales and networking through local rei groups.  

I have been into the construction business since I was 17 including those college years.Remember that marketing and sales ability are very important.  

My question though is that if the most recent property tax is based on the previous sale price, if your purchase price increases dramatically then wouldn't you get a huge spike in taxes?

This is where if you are gonna be a salesman,you need to use your powers of persuasion.Find their pressure points and emphasize you are there to alleviate those pressures.Take control of the negotiations by gently reminding them that you want to buy but can move on to the next deal at anytime.You have to make them worry that if they don't cooperate and comply with your contingencies,you will walk on them.Why are they selling?

I'm currently looking to invest in properties in the Northwest Indiana area that I can purchase for good prices, rehab or make upgrades to and sale.

Depends-If my agents are power dialing, im having them leave Voicemail drops to cover as much ground as possible. 

If that same investor used the original $100,000 to put a 20% down payment on 5 different homes valued at $100,000 each, and then sold all 5 homes after the 5% price appreciation for $105,000 each, the investor’s profit would have been $25,000 – a 25% return on investment.As you can see, leverage can be a very powerful tool to use in your journey towards financial freedom and independence.

Remember that marketing and salesmanship are very important in most real estate.The best place to go to when you are selecting is where sales are happening.