So my experience is it all depends on the end game when I am looking at propertirs which changes the expectations on numbers I need to meet before making a move.

So the whole game is a bit different.  

to me, investing in $500 houses in Detroit is all about playing the LOOOONG game. you are buying dirt, hoping that something reemerges from the ashes.

hedge funds have been big in this game over the past years http://fortune.com/2013/05/01/the-lucrative-investment-trend-hedge-funds-dont-want-you-to-know-about/

Let's play the math game you enjoyed since I just finished renting a property:30 minutes per interested party that actually bothers to show up x15 people: 7hr 30min15 minutes per interested party that didn't bother to show up x10 people: 2hr 30minIncome from fees: $0Lost wages: 10hr x $25/hr = $250 (I actually make FAR more than that, but trying to be fair)Let's assume that my 3 properties do this twice a year (the trend so far): -$250 x2 x3: $1,500/year lossLet's say I don't screen and I get "that guy" that I trusted to tell me how amazing he was like you claim about yourself.

Hi all - I've been listening to the podcasts, and reading the blogs for about a month now, so I figured it's a good time to dive in! I

I'm having trouble finding an end game for this one and would hate to let another opportunity slip through my fingers as I have spoke with a lot of sellers but have not yet closed a deal.

My Dad is my Attorney and all I hear is horror stories about bad renters so I have tended to stay away from the rental game.  

You don't always have to use the agent  in buying a deal but there are times, such as when the property you may be interested in is already on the MLS you can use your own trusted agent to help with the deal.  

I see you're interested in the long game.