Because of this I went ahead an paid the taxes once I had the paperwork in hand.Servicing is scheduled to transfer today and the borrower called me, at home.  

Typically the agent will request a representation agreement from you when he start setting the MLS searches or before submitting the first offer, but the Investor probably has an agreement with his own Realtor to get money back or discounts in the next transactions, it can be tricky to have everybody happy in this case and it can even jeopardize the business with the Investor, but is good to clarify this ahead to avoid problems with your Realtor and keep getting leads from him.Note: for us the MLS has not been really useful to find leads here in the DC area, the heavy discounted properties are taken long before they hit the market, and the few good ones that appear in the MLS doesn't last much or get multiple offers from inexperienced investor that pay to much (and probably don't get any profits at the end)

Most small contractors need to get paid after completing a certain task, this being said.I usually set a Schedule of Values and line itemize everything ahead of time.

For example, in which cases would short sales, subject-tos, lease options, straight-cash offers, etc. work best?

Hello Joe,You always want to think ahead when it comes to your DTI ( debt to income ratio ) becasue that will be a huge factor in getting conventional and government loans in the future. 

@Matthew Gallo and @Christopher L. welcome to biggerpocketsIf you are looking for an investor agent in Wisconsin, I would be more than glad to talk with you.Under the " learn " tab please look at How-to guides Milwaukee market  general questions : go ahead ask on the public forum, pleaseRegardless good luck moving forward and build a trust worthy team

If he is ok with it I will go ahead and get the three appraisals done, land, building and improvements.

If I see a pipe sticking straight up out of the ground with a cap on it, that means that there is an old oil drum buried below.

I'm a brand newbie to the world of REI and this site and I'm looking to go ahead and jump in and get my feet wet.

Exciting and fun times ahead!!!