I was out cruising for dollars earlier and it even helped me identify the house address (home had no numbers to identify it).

I really identify with the thoughts here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/3122/blog_posts/39457-why-im-not-a-flipper-dont-kill-the-goosRENTAL:We own & manage 4 other rentals in the same small neighborhood.

First, I gather and identify all known risks. 

And there is effectively no limit on how large you can grow, because you'll be focused on the stuff that adds value (identifying deals, raising money, closing) and not on the menial stuff.

That last big word means management and the ability to identify opportunities, taking action that involves the use of the other necessary activities and fundamentals to earn a profit.If you lack one of those three elements you must compensate with more from another, less capital you need more labor or management.

And, like anything in this industry, you need to vet the other side of the transaction thoroughly before signing any agreement or sending any funds.Once you have identified the area(s) in the U.S.A. where you would like to invest, another strategy to consider is finding a boots on the ground partner local to that area.  

That said, saying which is more fundamental, after the property has been identified, I'd say execution, the property should already meet your planned expectations.

For a list of 16 U.S cities that offer investors strong rental yields in cities that have strong economies and low vacancy rates check out http://www.b2rfinance.com/realtytrac-identifies-sa....

If you can spin the conversation to identify his problem and show your solution (sign here), hopefully he'll feel like you're helping him instead of him helping you.

They cost certain identifiable amounts which you can plan for.