Your best bet would be to learn as much as you can.

Initially I think buying wholesale turnkey properties is my best bet, get some experience with those, and then get more creative from there.

Jon, I did a little more checking around and it appears the double close is the safest bet for me .

It's a simple calculation which will tell you pretty rapidly if you are cash flowing or not.Not everyone agrees with it, but you won't go wrong following it.

Also, humanize the transaction by sharing the plight of the seller and explaining to them how they can really make a difference is your best bet!

Hobowarsand then the usual skype, notepad calculator and other little things.

I could do some easy and low cost upgrades, calculate savings and then advertise that it's "green" based on what I did and the savings.

This house I'm looking at right now is really out dated and I bet there is little TLC needed.So they are asking 238,900.

The better calculation would be:Rent: $1000Expenses: $500NOI: $500Debt service: $233 (estimated from your $160, assumes 100 percent financing)Cash Flow: $267Yes, that's a good deal, from this numbers perspective.

I bet an agent making 6 percent of the deal, will find a way to ge tthat one done.