I found this process so compelling and realized that, even having never done it before, I was more sophisticated than the young agent we hired.  

Now it is much more.We could discuss prices, rehabs, neighbors, etc all day long, and what is good or not.Here's the core issue.

I went in last year and took core samples of the wall/ceiling plaster in four locations - filled with asbestos.We have an open offer to the vendor (an estate) at 150K below their original listing price ... they are now only 50K away ;-)The abatement alone will be 30 - 40K, with a total renovation in the vicinity of 120 - 150K, but comps in that neighbourhood go for $250 - 300K more than our offer.

My two cents as an agent who helps investors find MFH properties and manages the units for them: it is hard to find an off market apartment building to buy unless you do it through hard-core networking that you're always working on.

There is a more long-winded answer to this, but at its core a hard money lender takes comfort knowing they have a asset (the property) backing their loan.

You don't really want to go over the market value unless there is some compelling reason  (0% interest for example).

The program is expensive, but compelling.

Hard when I know I can but also know I need to focus on core business and not on FB.Thanks again!

. :) And I feel compelled to mention that, in most cases, I do fully appreciate the benefits of working with professionals.

Hey BP,Can anyone tell me about the Springfield/Urban Core area of Jacksonville?