Hello everyone, my name is Austin and I am in the beginning phases of becoming a rental property owner. I have always considered buying rental properties, but I have not committed to fully understanding the business u...

I have heard the number $10,000/deal thrown around as a sort of industry average, but there seems to be a negotiation/variable piece that I'm missing.

I seem to remember that when you do a non-arms-length transaction for token consideration (I'm certain you would have to have some sort of consideration in the sale...like $10 or $100...ask your CPA/real estate attorney/title company).that you might have to pay the Florida Doc Stamps on 1/2 of the mortgage balance.

What sort of investments are you working on Sir?

One of the main motivators for folks to stay in their home IE foreclosure rescue lease back is to keep kiddos in their school. 

@Oscar MiguelThe squatter being in the property is an example of a catalyst for any probate property even for the property your interested in.If the family member, who may become the PR (Personal Representative) knows of the squatter (maybe the family member) and probably wouldn't want to evict.As for the three siblings, there's more than likely adversarial issues between the three as two want to sell (motivated) and one doesn't.Probate is a title problem!!

True cash-flow investors are typically discouraged by the fact that property values are established by emotionally motivated buyers. 

Is it best to partner with an agent, or to utilize public records to find motivated sellers?

Verbal offers can be useful for quick checks, but most listing agents (and sellers) won’t take them seriously, and in many markets, agents are required to present written offers only.That said, if you’re trying to avoid burning your agent’s time on really low starting points, you can have them call the listing side first to get a read on seller motivation before drafting.

Focusing on motivated seller leads is smart, and building relationships with active buyers is key to consistent deal flow.I work with a lending company, so I often see how connecting with reliable financing partners can make deals move faster and smoother