Lucky for me, I have been able to score a couple of deals less than a mile from my own home that seem to be working well, but I could see someone from out-of my area losing their shirt, even if they got a better purchase price without being hands-on.

We actually live about 15 miles north of the furniture city.

I understand I need to know the comps in the area (1/2 mile radius), and have done that and they seem to be all over the place. $80K-300K).Thanks for your help,Rod

Next two a highway vs. a house a quarter mile away?

Integrity, great customer service, and a rare willingness to go the extra mile.

Lots of folks are moving here with and without jobs lined up.So here's the trend that seems pretty obvious to me: The "next hot neighborhood" is the cheap neighborhood that is adjacent to the current hot neighborhood.Neighborhoods that have recently passed the point of easy "bottom feeding", which means prices will rise fast:Villa ParkThe east side of OverlandBaker, even the West sideOld EnglewoodMost of GlobevilleChaffee ParkSunnysideWest ColfaxNote that most of Southeast Denver never had homes available for significantly less than rent.

I have been buying rental properties in the area I know and 50 mile radius from where I live.

@Shanequa...good question: it was actually through a local mortgage broker who operates as a subsidiary/franchise of Ark La Tex Financial Services - they have operations in a good chunk of the southeast and Texas, I believe.In general, I have always found the big banks to be more cumbersome to deal with and thus do not waste my time with them anymore.

Numerous houses within 0.25 miles in the $20-30K range.

I have a CMA attached, and all of the comps are within one mile of the subject property.