Or perhaps I simply run my life through a company that isn't actually in business - things like insurance, cell phone, cars, utilities, you name it.

But one reason we recommend a certain Mtg broker is because we know they what they're doing, we can get a straight answer from them, and can get them on the phone when we need them.

I quote 6% if I feel it's a customer with particularly high drama needs, and if it turns out there are no drama needs then I make a "good news, because I like you..." phone call the next day because in reality it would be very very illegal to ACTUALLY give him a higher rate because he's older.

I know you mentioned you plan on dedicating 40-50 hours a week to RE, but if there is ever a time that you can't answer your phone because you're at your "9-5" than it's going to cost your RE business. 

Like any market, it depends upon the geographic location of the property, finding and screening tenants, and most importantly buying at the right price.

If inherited, I would screen thoroughly, get application, the whole works as if completely new. 

On her phone came a new MLS listed foreclosure alert which happened to be 1 block from where we were and by the end of the day I was in my first "highest and best" showdown. 

With Email, scanner or fax, phone, mobile notary and a mail carrier, you can make it happen.

Makes no sense to me :)Secondly, tenant screening is where most self managed investors go wrong.

So many times I would tour a home with a client at 8:30am, go to the office and do some prospecting, meet with my team over lunch, research new listings and follow up on phone calls all afternoon, then go home only to have the phone ring during dinner because an offer was coming in at 8:00pm, so race back to the office or property and negotiate a deal, which may or may not close!