Monique I just scratched the surface, We've had a 10% drop in values in something like the last 3 months an article just said recently, on top of the previous 18 months.

For investors, the ablity to accuratly read market data and sales comps or to understand the ends and outs of several different loan programs (and how they can work for the different investment situations) are absolutely necessary for surviving in this business.

For example: Realtytrac has a great data base for pre-FC'd homes, but what makes one home better than the next.

Also, I find neighborhoodscout.com to be helpful in figuring demographics, economy, and school data.

Membership is vital and proves that companies that are registered with NACSO have complied with all state and federal laws, have adequate customer service options as well as been in business for at least one year and have submitted information about themselves, the company and submitted pictures of the office to ensure compliance with data handling.These are just some requirements of being a member.Many companies are not members simply because they cannot qualify.

If you want to go the turnkey approach, I suggest approaching a title company...They will be able to set filters and query data specific to your search parameters.Regards,Scott Miller

Be mindful that your lender will evaluate your property's cash flow and operating expenses prior to making a decision to lend and guidelines don't allow for estimates or the law of averages (sidebar---I would be interested in seeing some data on this national average of 45-50% you speak of).

Hi All,So, i've been thinking about how to get into investing and in particular what my plan and strategy will be...That got me thinking about once i decide a strategy, what stats/data do i need to collect and analyze with regards to market.

You will be helping them, and you will gain the invaluable education from them for free.

It means the property has gone to public auction, but we have not yet received the sales data back from the auction to know whether it went back to the bank or whether it was sold to a third party at the auction.