Its a capital gain market not cash-flow. unless you can invest in Commercial or develop to hold. 

I have to find my own deals on realtor.com AND zillow email alerts based on a filter.My low ball offers are much more likely to be given a serious look because i developed a relationship with the listing agent, my best resource to take my offer to the seller and make the pitch. 

Not sure what good pictuers will do.Lets say you get excellent pictures, you then have to identify who they are and serve them with notices.

Being a parent not withstanding, good will is difficult to build and very easy to loose.I would rather owe the banks and if a jam develops have family back me up then get into  a jam with family.

My first REI deal was also a similar disaster except it was a development project.

The center is very well maintained with tremendous upside- the previous owner was a big company focused on its development business and neglected this center (it was its only shopping center), such that it has about 68% occupancy.

I originally grew up in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, but for the past two years, I have been working as a software developer in lower Manhattan.I have basically zero background in real estate, but I hope to learn a lot from this community -- enough for my wife and me to invest in one or more rental properties within the next two-to-three years that will give us a nicer return beyond our retirement mutual funds. 

Developing a skill and getting a good specialized education in college will assure you will make more than your less educated counterparts .

Hello BP Community,Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been lurking for a couple months as I've been in avid learning mode. I have so many ideas on avenues in RE I'm interested in pursuing I admit at times it's over...

Here is one that I developed a few years ago when we used to bid at Florida auctions (Can't get formatting properly):1Property Search & Filter Search properties a minimum of 5 days in advance, valued between $XXK and $XXXK2Review Crime ReportsAvoid high crime and high vacancy areas3Determine ARVMake an informed decision of the Fair Market Value/After Repair Value based on comparables, tax assessment and physical condition4Enter Property Data into SystemRecord ARV, Assessed Value, Sq Ft, No.