. :(- Had the IRS issue a ruling on my use of a large chunk of my retirement funds -- they determined that I get to keep my money

My initial reaction is that this estimate provides both a wildly large range and also a much lower average cost than I was expecting.

So my results have not been tried by fire BUT...instead of using a standard yellow letterI have been using yellow notes...Small note pads (5x7) that give a more personalize feel.I quickly sent out 17 letter the other day and the next day 7 people responded.For the experienced investor that maybe old news but for anyone using the large paper, try the note pad.Good Luck,Demetrus

For example, someone who grosses 50K a year would only take home about 35 to 40K a year but can responsibly buy a house for 75K, extenuating circumstances not withstanding.This may not have a linear relationship as you move up the scale significanly in income.

Robin Grimes,You're paying in too much during the year from withholding or making too large of estimated payments.

The local newspaper said Portland down 4% year over year but somebody on BP posted something saying down 1.6%.Our apartment market is on fire and large new developments are filling as fast as they can build them.We have among the lowest vacancies in the country with 3.1% in apartments.Cap rates went from 6.1% in 2008 to 6.8% in 2009 and 2010 and 6.86% for first half 2011.Housing prices down 28% from peak August 2007.

After some thought, I would sell them all, try to get into a 1031 exchange for a large distressed apartment building.

If you have the money available, maybe you should offer a large EMD when you do make an offer through her--that might get your offer more attention.If there are only two REO listing agents in your town that could be a positive for you--you can develop a rapport with both and come to understand how they like to do business, maybe they will give out the codes once they trust you.

For us, getting large $ up front becomes difficult because it makes us less desirable in our current market.

I realized my "dislike" was largely emotional.