Critical read for any real estate investor.There are many other outstanding books out there, but reading just these four will arm you with a solid foundational education in real estate investing, from the mindset, to the specifics of choosing and acquiring properties, to how to protect yourself and minimize your tax obligations.

Any advice on how to get a quality kitchen in Virginia beach Virginia without trading an arm or a leg?

@Rebecca Styer @Michael Marcoux;  Just to be clear, the rate for a commercial loan can be very competitive but almost always will be an ARM. 

I’m a serial entrepreneur and the owner of a digital creative agency in Boulder, CO.

Digital marketing is the way to go.  

Often times, the seller will stop the auction by pay up the back payments or filing bankruptcy.Sure, find the owner of the property and try to negotiate a deal.Be aware of any foreclosures laws in your area, you may want to be arms length , that is get and agent to represent you.What you are suggesting is Pro-Active, get out there find the problem and solve it.When you do you will make money in this business

I would try to keep the monthly P&I as low as possible - so go w/ the 30 year amortization (fixed rate or a 7/1 ARM if you'd like a lower rate).  

It'll either be an ARM, or an ugly fixed rate that you don't like.

We used a ARM loan through New England Federal Credit Union which required 5% down as I had a difficult time finding an FHA lender that would be willing to loan the money with the ratios I was working with for the owner occupied duplex. 

@Tony Roddenberry my buy and hold properties are running just a hair under 5% interest and I use either 15 or 20 year ARMs.