I also agree with the comment about understanding the difference in time/effort with this method.

Overall it will cost more in time than you would spend going to a class, but it is local and gets you the contacts you will not get from a trainer in another state.

The investment in time/money for this is so low theres really no reason not to do it.- Construction: I don't have much construction experience myself but I wish I did.

im in mass also...im in the process of jumping back in...ive bot & sold a couple of 3's and 4's in mass over the last 5 yrs...lucky enough to sell 2 four units about 2 years ago just in time...anyways, the 50% rule they describe here seems too high for me also...i dont believe you will find any of those type of properties in mass even in dorchester, lawerence or fitchburg...maybe fitchburg or springfieldim under agreement on a 3 decker w/ a cap rate of about 12%...pretty good in my eyes...my cash flow estimates are about $1500 per month...now thats w/ me doing all the work, which i will do...that is with no maintance nor property management...i would not buy a 3 family unless i could cash at least $1000 per month...it is a numbers game and common sense...i look for newer roof, newer heating systems, vinyl siding, new windows, parking (thats huge) especially in the tight city areas, and deleaded certs, and decent clean streets in otherwise bad cities (they are still out there)...i will only do section 8, but you must screen, screen and screen them...i find you get more $$$ w. section 8 tenants, and they will stay forever if you take care of what your supposed to...

We bought the house in time to attend the annual block party put together by the neighbors (no HOA) and they barricade the street off.

@Sara Liskey What are your thoughts on investing in Houston at this point in time?

I got a call today from a guy who wanted to bid but didn't have the POF documents in time.

For many, the throne is the ultimate seat in the house where the most intimate feelings of home ownership is enjoyed.

This adds time to the process up front, but can save weeks, even months, in time later should a friend or relative of the tenant "move in" suddenly and claim they're legally residing in your property.

This all depends on the brokerage.The commission belongs to the brokerage and NOT the agent.In some states they just have brokers only but this is rare.So if the total commission to the brokerage is say 10,000 but the agreement with their agent is they only take a 300 trans fee and the agent keeps the rest (9,700) then it is not worth it for the brokerage to pursue you in time and court costs.The brokerage also doesn't want to soil their good name.Now if the split is say 50/50 with a brokerage instead of the 90/10 or per transaction and the brokerage keeps a larger chunk of the commission they might pursue the buyer for the commission owed.This is not legal advice just how a brokerage and principal broker (I am one) thinks about such issues.