Since I was buying as-is I don't need them to spend so much time writing a report, just walk the property with me and we can look together.

Depends on what you want to spend. 

You will learn more on this website than another other book real estate book if you just spend enough time reading all the blogs and forum post that is relevant to what you want to do.  

If you are going to spend the time and money on mailing - it is best capture those leads the best you can, if you are not able to answer the phone regularly you may consider a recorded message to qualify leads and not just go to a voice mail box where 90% of people are going to hang up. 

I spend about $250/year for each LLC I have in VT.

If you are not willing to spend a couple hundred dollars a year on LLC costs, you probably should not be in this business at all.  

Expect to spend some time scratching your head to figure them out. 

The majority of people I know spend far less on an investment. 

As I understand, the recent CFPB settlement that punishes Ocwen for reprehensible actions related to foreclosures ALSO mandates Ocwen spend 2Billion on principle reductions for underwater homeowners.I believe Ocwen was supposed to initiate contact with "eligible" homeowners.

Got nostalgic over the weekend and thought about what I would love to tell my 20 / 30 year old selves, but realized they wouldn't listen anyway....What 20 won't believe-You're going to spend a lot of money on dating but not date your future wife until after 30.