Once you've purchased the home and addressed all the major items, and you're confident of the maintenance record of the home you can come up with an estimate for your repairs.

Example you are planning on formica in your repair estimate but a majority are using granite etc.2.Is your area increasing,decreasing,or flat in pricing and by what percentage each month??

Scanbot or Scanner Pro (still haven't decided which one I like more) - for converting photos of bills/receipts into PDF/smaller and B&W image files (integrates with Evernote as well).Evernote - for keeping track of documents and organizing them (I digitalize every paper I may need in the future).1Password - for keeping my passwords secure and easily accessible at the same time.Outlook as replacement of email client (like it better than Apple Mail or Google Gmail email apps).The Property - for creating rent invoices, keeping track of rent payments and expenses.Calcbot - replacement of default Calculator app.Sunrise - replacement of default Calendar app.// iPhone user since 2007

Vacancy can take a major toll on a house, and there may have been issues caused by lack of occupancy.- Just because an REO is priced $50K under market value (for example) doesn't mean that it requires $50K in repairs.

I have found a 2 Unit / 2 story 3,000 sf - probate property that needs major rehab..The seller is asking 85,000 - NEED INFO ASAP to make offer!!!

As our east-Austin-based development organization ramps up we are taking in additional cash from partners.

They can afford to pay more than you and still have a good deal.OTOH, homeowners are often cash poor and just don't have the ability to take on anything major.

Suggestion:- 30% down on purchase/renovation costs (minimum)- 8.5 - 9.5% interest rate- 15 year am"It's just like a contractor doing a job.I can go out and find someone quick to paint my apartment unit for 500 OR I can take some time to find a painter that I can get to work for 75.00 a unit that does a good job.I believe finance is the same way in that there is a bunch of money wanting to lend at rates and conditions that are not attractive to a buyer.So you have to find a lender willing to take less than the majority so you have an advantage.A question I have thought about is would you target one really wealthy investor or a bunch of smaller loan investors??

Not many super bargains to be found.I think the market for flippers is pretty good if you want major projects and mold elimination.

Hey Donna - I assume you belong to different REIA organizations there in San Diego and hopefully you belong to the largest REIA in that area.