You only need to improve a little bit and you will pass.

You can't cash in your IRA before you hit retirement age without taken a stiff penalty and you can't simply trade away your real estate when the mood strikes you. 

In fact, most business's use terms to improve cash flow.

Have you done any improvements that would push the value up?  

Those are some pretty amazing homes that, if the area improves at all, will be huge moneymakers.

It's unclear what expenses include, but I presume it covers most of the basics such as water/sewer/garbage, hydro, and basic maintenance, but likely doesn't cover costs such as property management fees, improvements/upgrades (if any), insurance, taxes, etc.With a list price of $509K, let's say I got it for $480K and put down 25% ($120K).

V/R, John.Mission Statement: No later than March 2015, we will begin to buy real estate below market value; provide affordable and well maintained housing to renters; and create wealth and financial freedom for our family.Investment Strategy: Buy and Hold.Investment Vehicle: Du/Tri/Quadplexes.Goals: Consistently and constantly work to build and improve upon relationships with ‘The Team,’ fellow investors, brokers, business owners, and the community at large.

Now on to the "obstacles" that are standing in my way-I'm broke "Most 24 year olds are"-I have bad credit "500s for all three scores"-Bad statement involving a renters office on my creditWorking on improving my credit as we speak but if there is another way to go about this as well, let me know.

Would submitting an offer contingent on determination of suitability to build by the county (soil samples, utilities/infrastructure improvement costs, design approval/permitting, etc) be considered common and reasonable for a vacant lot purchase?

I’ve owned four properties as my primary residences and often refer to them as my “slow flips”… as in, I’ve purchased homes in need of work, made updates and improvements (added sweat equity) as we lived in them for a couple of years, then sold the properties for a nice profit to move on to bigger and better opportunities.As an investor - I’m interested in both fix and flips and long-term rentals.