Once you have an address of a property that appears to be in distress, you can go to the county assessor to find the owner (even online in some counties) for free (if you don't value your time), or you can use a paid service that will give you all the details right on your phone while you are standing out front, owner or non-owner occupied, value, comps, equity, vacant, even their phone number.

The seller refuses to allow an inspection because he insists it’s a waste of time and money and the home inspector is not qualified to determine the serviceability or life of the mechanicals.

However, if you love or even like travel, the points cards are a no-brainer: Free travel, food, lounges, booze, concierge service, companion passes, car / trip insurance, etc. 

Hi Everyone,For a long time I've been thinking about switching my banking business (personal and business checking/savings, etc.) to a local bank to help support the local community instead of filling the pockets of these large banks.Does anyone here have experience with any of the local community bank or credit union that provides good service? 

I'm not trying to scare you, but be prepared for being an agent if you choose this path.

If on the other hand you don't mind getting your hands dirty and are prepared for you and a few friends to show up and persuade occupants to leave you may do fine.

Perhaps you should aim to eventually be independent of family generosity, and prepare for the real world?

I have been absorbing as much information from the BP books, podcasts and the webinars to try and prepare for this adventure. 

Learning, analyzing deals, making contacts and networking, walking neighborhoods - start learning the craft, the market, and the numbers so you'll be prepared once you find your first potential deal.

Before I begin making offers, are there any other steps I can take to see that I'm as best prepared as can be?