So I am in a situation currently where I put a "strong" offer on a duplex that previously had an offer on it.I heard back from my buyers agent that the other offer was comparable and they are NOT giving me the ability to submit a higher offer but keeping my offer as a back-up.

Maybe I got a dud and should try a different branch.Also, the things I like are not in style.  

What I do has nothing to do with the life-style the tenants live.

These are important questions to ask because they help you identify your strong markets and best places to operate the kind of business you’ve decided to build.

I am now sure that I will be writing a book about the deal to give others a strong understanding as to what it takes to put together a distressed deal. 

There were some strong lessons learn from those experiences like cash reserves, due diligence and property management.Wife and I are interesting in getting back into real estate investing with goals of long-term cash flow to secure a good retirement in 10 years. 

I'm looking to gain as much as I can from the wealth of knowledge and experience within the site and its members, and to build a strong network of people who have been in my position.

I think it depends what kind of personality you are compared to the authors writing style.  

You should have a strong preapproval from a lender, to submit with any offer.  

The would strongly recommend you find an accountant and attorney with cross border real estate and business experience and work with them to structure your investing to meet both your immediate and long-term goals.