Reason being, they are some of the biggest players down there anyway and if anyone can get inventory, they can.

Trying to understand the relative position of the players: banks, loan servicers, FNMA/FHLMC, trustees for MBS/ABS, hedge funds or distressed asset funds, note trading platforms, brokers, etc.

Build your base of the key players (manager, contractor, CPA, attorney) in your target area and you can grow from there.J Scott, good idea, since I normally move to my markets, it would probably help a lot if I scouted through the local REIA's before I show up and then build my experience once I'm there, attending when it makes sense to.

My fear however, and the thing that prevents me from moving forward with it at this time, is that I have accumulated a lot of debt, and family responsibilities that I fear will prevent me from getting a loan for an investment property, and also not having an excess of available cashflow to be able to build up a down payment.

Out here in Utah, the contract that agents have to use prevent them from being assigned unless they have written permission from the seller.

I may use him as I know that he is a local player and the education on tougher deals may be worth it.

However, only if something outside my control prevents me from providing the premises.If not, what would their damages be should your house catch on fire and then you not be able to return those monies?

Does anyone have advice on how to deal with termite prevention?

Take time getting to know your local market, the local players, etc. before jumping in.

I've seen FHA appraisers mention a hole in a screen as if a pencil bent the tiny square hole in a rounded shape saying the screen would not prevent a fly from entering.