He surprised me by noting that, at least in the area he specializes in, which probably has about 3-400,000 residents, the situation for a newbie investor like me is grim.

These guys can purchase large blocks of homes in specific zip codes, but REI's are going to heal the bulk of the problem a few homes at time.

What makes you think you're so special that you'll be the one?

Now years later you have refi costs and most likely higher debt service with a higher interest rate.Don't talk yourself into a deal with special financing.

and give them first shot for a few days then hit the other #2's in order of what seemed to be their preferred market places by zip code.

I would start by scouring the forums and paying special attention to the areas of real estate investing that interest you.

As part of my day job I am a business process expert, specializing in credit origination, capital markets, asset management and alternative investing.

A comparable dwelling unit:• Is constructed in accordance with the standards of chapter 4 of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code as such Code (including supplements) was in effect on January 1, 2006,• Has air conditioners with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13, measured in accordance with 10 C.F.R. 430.23(m), and• Has heat pumps with a SEER of 13 and a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 7.7, measured in accordance with 10 C.F.R. 430.23(m).All of our AC and heating units are SEER rated 13 or higher, and I found the construction codes for the IECC chapter 4 and in reading them we appear to meet all of those requirements.

Slightly off the subject, but taxes and code violations can be extraordinarily high in the some of large cities of the upper midwest and some sellers are offering great deals "subject to" the taxes.

I'm new at real estate investment and have been reading everything I can on investing properties, specially at Bigger pockets.