Therefore, the answers I provide would be very general.

In general, I know calling seller's agent is frowned upon, but is that still the case in today's REO market?

There are many generalities, but a lot of good info on how to "think" about finances.Good job Tim, great question/discussion.As Richard pointed out, the mindset as to "why" you would buy your home does not take into consideration if it will be an "investment" However, overtime, it could end up being one.

I understand the process fairly well generally Peter but I'm new to this too. you basically just sign a sales agreement with the buyer and after your signtaure you write "or assigns." this allows you to "assign" the property to another buyer.

How long have you been involved with real estate and whats your assumption as to what the housing market will be in the future (in general)?

Reason for this criteria is these owners having owned these properties for a long time generally have a small mortgage and some may want to sell as they get closer to retirement.

in general is there a rule of thumb when it comes to how much $ to set aside for each rental property

Finding the great early deals probably by definition makes them FSBOs but when I think FSBO I'm generally thinking about the latter category.

I mean I sold it in less than 90 days, generally after having done some work.

It is generally recognized that women are responsible for 80% of all decisions on whether or not to purchase a particular home.So what influences the ladies in their decisions concerning home purchases and remodeling?