I realize success in real estate investing is a function of how much effort you put into it, continued learning, and a little bit of luck.  

The porch is cold in winter regardless of windows.The current windows are functional.  

A big problem with the 50% rule is that the largest expense of that 50% is cap expense which tying it to rent rather than size, bathrooms, quality of products, etc. is flawed. 

You can search the "tax deed search" function on the Clerk Of Court site to see any pending sale status (a scheduled tax deed auction date) of that certificate number.

About 1/3rd of my business is 2-4 units, and we're also one of the largest renovation lenders in the country.

Not uncommon for me to pull on 6 figure fees with my largest being over $600,000And many other great reasons.Biggest negatives.Takes a while to get paid (still quicker than trying to just be an investor)Hard workNot a stable income so you need to be able to budget.Good luck and if you ever need me to answer a few questions just track me down and give my office a call.Curtis

Your target is functional obsolescence , a property might need an update to make it usable again.

Heritage is one of the largest, and there is Access Management as well.

these deals can take forever and a day.I own a 4 acre tract right across the street from the largest Indian casino in Northern CA  ( Graton Casino Rohnert Park)  have owned it since 1994.... there is 50 acres of prime development ground and 11 owners... when I went to a stakeholder meeting with the city.. it was evident that the majority were moms and pops that had NO CLUE about development and one would they think there land is good for this use.. ( which is not even remotely possible given the zone )  you have to fight these things... then one see a listing for dirt somewhere else maybe its a prime 1 acre corner commercial listed at 1 million.. they have 7 acres and jump right to the idea that their piece is worth 7 million...its this type of mindset that is dog tough in these situations..

Folks will move across the country for owner financing when they cant or wont do conventional.I cant imagine needing an engineer of any kind, nor a soil or water test, although i do have drill maps from the largest water well driller in TN.