Does it have a yard sign? 

21217 seems to have some promising areas, but the differences in value are so drastic from block to block so I wasn't sure of how to determine which might be a good spot.I have been looking off and on for a property for the past 6 months but haven't been able to move forward with anything (either odd things have happened with the sellers or someone else swooped in just before me).

Trying to determine a consistent, low cost lead generation strategy and sticking with it.I find myself dipping into using different lists (tax delinquent, code violations) and driving for dollars and also looking to do bandit signs.I need to pick a strategy and stick with it until I get my first deal or 2, then use some of the money to start a direct mail campaign which is a common them among the successful wholesellers on the BP podcasts.

You could sign contracts with him that would prevent him from going around you, but then again build the relationship and there should be no reason he's not happy to pay a fee for bringing him the property.Also, keep in mind your fee doesn't have to be huge, or even proportional to the size of the project.

It will be right in the paperwork you sign and doing it anyway may mean your not covered if the place burns down !

I am excited, nervous, determined and frustrated all the time with trying to learn this game.  

They just signed a new contract at the reduced price, thanks everyone!

I know a good baseline in determining your MAO is by using the formula MAO = (ARV x Investor Discount) - Repairs -Closing Cost - Assignment Fee.

Things like that are big in determining if it's a nice area or not.

Bottom line is that I think that it is important to define what you are looking for, determine your own strengths and have all your ducks in a row thinking before you start throwing out numbers in the millions.