Often times for my buy and holds I'd love a few months to get income flowing before I start spending to fix up the exterior of the houseSpeaking of which, anyone want to help me paint the exterior of a duplex?!

I recommend you spend EVERY available minute reading, researching and networking with active real estate investors in your community via REI MeetUP groups, associations, etc. 

If this deal doesn't end up working out, I know a lot more and will be much prepared to make the next offer.I actually live in California, but I grew up in Delaware, and, with my job being very flexible and involving a lot of travel, I get to spend quite a bit of time at home.

Didn't understand it when it all started, however after spending a many months researching the topic, it is complex and the average person that has another job and is legitimately qualified, has the odds stacked against them for many reasons.

I make $20 consulting, but spend $10 on advertising and other expenses.

I know it can be frustrating to walk away from something you think could work, but it is always better to walk away from a potentially bad deal and spend your time looking for the next deal that could be great.Good luck on the next one.

I have been helping him out money wise for the last couple months but the problem is that he spends $200 per day in the bar and has blew through approximately $600,000 in the last 2 years with not a lot to show for it.

The buyer elected to not spend the $100 to do a termite inspection most likely because they were being cheap.

But, if you don't want to spend the time to figure it out on your own, $2.00 is a cheap lesson...

I spend a lot of time looking at comparable properties, market trends, demand, sales volume, etc..., before I invest in anything.