Being that you have so many inquiries, you want to have a brief conversation to "feel them out" and determine who seems interested and qualified over the phone.

I hope this gives you some hope and an extra boost of determination today.

Determine your maximum bid, go to the auction, and do not go above it even though others might.

The 50% rule is just a quick metric to determine if it is worth seeing the property. 

Security system--there is no system that will keep out a determined thief. 

@Demarcus Crump correct. 1% rule says a property should rent for at least 1% of its purchase price. so $100K home = $1K in rent2% test says a property's rent/price paid should equal at least 2% - (Hard to come by in my market)Keep in mind these are just evaluation criteria to quickly determine if a property may be right for you. 

You might have to compromise your needs and/or the value factor and that balance is something only you can determine but as long as you go into it clear-headed, it should make sense.  

It is a determination based on the reality of the relationship between the service provider and the taxpayer paying for the services.Not likely she'll be appropriately classified as an IC unless she sets her own hours, is free to perform the work without instruction, provides her own tools/supplies, and/or is otherwise involved in a cleaning trade or business for many clients outside of her parents, etc. 

If these are properties that you already own and you have good tenants in there and the cashflow where you want it to be then I wouldn't worry about the 1% rule.Also If you are talking large multifamily (5+ units) then most people will use local cap rates to determine value along with the expenses and income to determine the value.

-is there a way to hack a single family home by renting a portion out - what are good resources to find a property and determine whether it is a good deal or not