Your realtor can see online what they are doing with the property.

In my area of Texas I can pull up pretty everything I need online.

She should always do a money order or check so she has a receipt in case it gets lost.And I also recommended that she wrap the check/money order too just in case.I did sign up for one of those online rent payment services.

I played with different types of financing scenarios.

Not sure this is how the American dream is supposed to play out.

You then have to decide to buy in your market for an appreciation play or go outside your market where the cash flow is better.Nobody is going to sell to you for less when buyers are paying 5 to 6 caps or less for properties in those areas.There are areas with appreciation only, some cash flow and appreciation, and those with mainly big cash flow but little to zero appreciation over time.

I should also mention that he is a bit older - which could come into play with respect to how he plans to treat the investment.

Marc Therriault You can find wholesale contracts online, just google them.

They can give you great information on what it will rent for and if thats even an area you want to be in.Now when i look at a property heres what i do. 1. if i find it online i call and see if the property is available and if i can bid on it.2. check crsdata and see what the property is worth and what has sold in the area.3. check zillow to see what is currently renting in the area and what the rental prices are.4.

I am not sure if your looking at LA to begin investing, to me it seems like a really touch market to get started in, unless you have the cash to play with the big boys, but I know deals are made, I figure we just need to find the right people to help us along the way.