I’m having trouble finding the demographic and economic information based on where the book says to look (Census.gov data tables) and was wondering if any more experienced investors knew of better sources to find the necessary data to analyze markets?

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.so, i know we don't buy a house just because there is a pool table in the basement.

You need to decide between you all  what you feel is fair based on what everyone is bringing to the table.

When the other side has agent representation, it’s illegal for the agent to run both sides of the table.

Are you looking for someone who can bring money to the table for marketing, or are you thinking you can do that? 

For USDA loans, are buyers allowed to bring cash to the table to make up the difference between the asking price and appraisal amount in a low appraisal scenario? 

Now there's no option #1 even on the table. 

Still learning too but have most of my systems down so I’m confident I can bring value to the table

I am thinking along the same lines as you of trying to either get the price down so the numbers look better without just paying interest (since I would like to have principal pay down prior to the 10 year balloon if I happen to not see any appreciation) or go to the negotiating table and try get a better interest rate.

This means:a) coming up with a plan of realistic recommendations (varies by what seller is able to do)b) helping the seller execute that plan to the best extent reasonable (varies by situation)c) staging every home, whether vacant or occupied (we do our own staging but it's professional grade, for occupied homes it's usually removing some furniture, shifting other furniture around to enhance flow and feel of space, sometimes adding furniture pieces if the originals date the home too much, i.e. trading out a coffee table or couch, etc.), usually replacing ALL art work and most decor items, advising on specific paint colors that are good for resale, consulting on outdoor plantings/landscaping and often just installing some plants ourselves.