Car buyers wanting to compare similar models need to visit several dealerships, so they need to be close to one another.On the other hand, an entrepreneur looking to set up a new hardware store, should look for an area under served by the competition or where new residential developments will be opening up.Speaking of ease-of-access, traffic patterns can also make a difference, especially near busy intersections.

We do currently own our home (condo) and now that we are to one income not sure how traditional financing will go so I have been researching seller financing or other creative forms of financing.

Someone is selling their house at about 20k to 30k less than other comparable homes in the neighborhood but they have a usda loan and are seeking payoff.

Another is to compare that building's rent to market rents to see where you stand.

One thing that is different about the foreclosure process in Maryland compared to other states is that prior to the sale date, the lender does not have to notify the borrower that a foreclosure action has been filed against the borrower.

BTW, the traditional advantages of real estate include not only cash flow, but also mortgage paydown and appreciation.

Wholesaling is not a bad way to start out, especially compared to flipping.

Also, you cannot compare an earth home to a standard frame house even if they are the same size.

In my last paragraph above I am just comparing the 2 investments and their ROIs, assuming no other investment is available or considered.I think my post was a bit confusing, admittedly.

If you are comparing the stability of the investment- vs a shopping center or some other kind of income property, the GRM is a number that many people can get their arms around in the risk assessment part of assessing the deal.