I call this a "heads up" letter.If mailed sufficiently well in advance of sale, I'll receive a number of nixies that I can skip-trace or reverse engineer to either find the owners or buy the lenders note and decide my best play forward.Second letter might contain some special message or attention getting device to encourage that letter gets opened and read and generates a lead call (call-to-action, also know as a CTA).Time permitting, I might segment the list further and create highly targeted, specialized letters that address a host of problems unique to their situation, which I call a "Perfect Storm" letter.Ultimately, my objective is to out-spend and out-research you as my same business rival.

construction, engineering, sales, marketing, project management, law, accounting, business, etc?

They also upgraded the electrical service.

Coming fresh out of college and making good money or from large metropolitan areas, they don't blink an eye at what locals would consider higher than normal rental rates as long as you provide a good product.I had one applicant that was a biochemist/engineer from Chicago working for a company that specializes in growing roses, of all things.

My brother is wrapping up his PhD in Engineering (Computer and Electrical) but his girlfriend just moved to Boston so he is thinking about going too  

Regarding hidden costs, I would say electrical and plumbing.

4 plex right off busy intersection and <1/4 mile from interstate ramp.2bd/1bth 2bd/1bth 3bd/2bth 1bd/1bth4 Parking spaces (2 covered) + 4 street parking spotsPurchase Price 325K; 25% ($81,250) down conventional 30yrMonthly Mortgage Payment = ~$,1250-----INCOMEFully occupied, rents are $2825 combined.There is a shared washer/dryer room, listing claims ~$250 income a monthTotal Income w/ 5% vacancy factor = ~$2,900/ month-----EXPENSESProperty tax + Insurance + Water + Trash + Electricity for common areas + Landscaping + $200 Miscellaneous Repairs/Expenses = ~$1,000/ month+ mortgage payment = $2,250-----Yes I know, price is very high.

Price: $150,000 (planning on 20% down) Rent: $3,100/month (4 units at 550/month and 2 garage units at 475/month)Utilities 1,450/month (Owner pays utilities, electricity, water, gas, for 2012 came out to $17,000)Mortgage: 750/monthTaxes/Insurance: 450/month (based on zillow)Cash Flow: 450/month (please let me know if I'm missing some basic expenses)Building has window A/C units.

Stick framing or engineered?

The replacement of a roof, carpets, air conditioning and heating equipment, appliances and other electrical or mechanical equipment, wood decks, parking lot, and so forth.