I'd also suggest a move-in special, say $200 off the first month rent, just to get someone in there.   

What is the lowest (average) conventional loan a bank will offer? I've seen a few numbers bouncing around on here. My credit score is around 740, minimal CC debt, and no student loans. Looking at residential propertie...

And, with my “lucky” 13th offer, I landed UG1.For those who would rather read, some stats on UG1: Located in the Walnut Bend subdivision in Briar ForestOne story, four bedrooms, two baths, 2,187 SQFTBuying price: $275,000.00Rehab budget: $75,000.00New Listing Price: $424,900.00Timeline: 10 weeksThe house is what I like to call a “Grandma special.”

@Ribu Thomas Lifestyle's Unlimited is a REI group in San Antonio, Houston, and DFW that specializes in rental real estate.

its typical that yes you can get financing from a HML that the coach has set up.. just like you can google HML in your area and get a HML .. you still have to qualify and the property has to qualify just because you sent through a guru to get a referral gives you no special standing or allow you to do deals when you really have no money and no experience.. 

This is a document that uses the address in question and the FEMA flood maps and determines where the structure (note we can only insure structures not land) The reading will come back with a note that the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) which are typically your A's and V's.An  Elevation Certificate (EC) is a document that a homeowner usually has to do and pay for and is typically used by the  FEMA/NFIP/Government policy (which has had a  50-year monopoly on flood insurance) The Elevation certificate is done by a FEMA approved Surveyor where they come out and get a bunch of measurements around your property (Elevation measurements) and put together the formal EC this cost anywhere from $600 - $1200 I always recommend my client shop the options and pit them against each other.

I work in the property management business for 10 years, and I never understood the idea behind maintenance men doing the work that requires some degree of specialized skill.

And I think you're doing pretty good if you can find an 80%LTV product...My only other suggestion is to work a purchase money mortgage angle if possible...maybe even a lease with an option to buy...no need for conventional lending...but it depends on the circumstances of the property and the seller...

Can anyone here recommend a reputable tax services company (or good individual) who is located in SoCal who has experience or is specialized with doing taxes involving out of state real estate investments?

My play has always been student rentals around ASU for extremely low vacancy and value appreciation.Vacation rentals are another hot investment product, mostly in Scottsdale but there are opportunities in other cities as well.