Typically you would retain 10% in an escrow account from the investor and when the investment is identified you 'Call' on the capital in full balance to be delivered.

The spotcrime website seems to be a good one too.I wonder if there are any good places to identify trends over time:- quality of schools - improving or declining?

Well since I’ve been in deep thought on putting rentals in LLCs and asset protection past few days on Ali’s blog (thanks Ali) I would propose the first thing to do would be to identify and rectify any mechanical or electrical hazard issues.

Each of them focused on different market(s), varying neighborhood demographics, and with slightly different investment philosophies.Without getting into a lengthy step-by-step explanation, my suggestion to help point you in the right direction is to focus on markets with a stable housing market, and a growing (or stable) local economy.Once you've identified the best market for you and your investment goals, then select neighborhood and property combinations that make the most sense.

There are a lot of potential cash buyers around BP but people only like doing deals with people they can see :) Photos develop trust!

I agree with you completely but if you are not set up to develop and manage a database you can still get more deals across the line by getting better at closing and negotiating.

If the lease doesn't cover tenant improvements, what protection can be developed for the buyer?

Make sure you identify who the investor friendly title companies are in your area.

I have had a developing interest in real estate for the past few years.

I am helpig a friend try to get funding for a large housing development.