The turnkey approach of integrated services and convenience certainly has some merit to it (if you find a good provider).

If homeowners see their bottom line w these services and with a traditional sale most people will go with the inconvenience of showing their home for a week and being in escrow for a month to keep THOUSANDS of dollars in their pocket.Most homeowners don't know what their home is worth or that it has gone up as drastically as it has over recent years.

Also I have been thinking about finding a personal financial planner/advisor, but I am new to the idea since none of my friends and/or family pay for the service. 

The only issues you will encounter is when large banks (or some auction services) require "cash buyers only".   

So, we certainly feel comfortable w/this approach w/safe leverage > 1.3 DSCR - Debt Service Coverage Ratio; 1.0 is B/E; 1.2 is min for bank loan; higher the better). . 

Here's an example of how the math usually works when I look at it...http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/3121-3205-Orange-Ce...Purchase price = $2,480,000NOI before debt service (derived from 7.6% cap rate) = $188,480If 80% of purchase is financed over 30 years at 5%, that is $127,807.68 in annual mortgage payments.This leaves $60,672.32 in profit every year, until Year 31 when the mortgage is paid off.This is a down payment of $496,000 that you wouldn't see back until over 8 years.

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?