The cheapest way to get started is by reading the “How to Articles” and “Success Stories” on this web site.
Then, I would recommend you buy Ron Legrand’s book “Fast Cash with Quick Turn Real Estate” – $14.95. You can get it at Amazon.com or at Ron’s website. Here’s the URL to the order page: http://www.success-di.com/Index.cfm?ContentFile=Orderform Go to the bottom of the page and you will see the check box to order the book.
There is a house in my town that is obviously abandoned, but looks like a decent piece of property. I’ve seen references in this group to finding and buying vacant property. Can anyone tell me what I should do to find out about buying it, or recommend a book on this subject?
Also, how do I find out if it is possible in my town to convert a 2-unit to a 4-unit rental?
To find out the owners, contact your locality
(village, town or county)
and enquire whether the taxes are current
(if abandoned long enuf the municipality/lender may now own)
and/or who is the “Owner of Record”.
As to conversion, the city building inspection department (sometimes listed under city engineer) should be able to tell you what is needed as far as physical requirements, whether a building of that type may be converted. The Zoning office will tell you if a 4-unit building is allowed at that location. If the area is zoned R2, for example, (2 unit max) you would have to apply for a variance to add more units. In most localities, the inspections office can also tell you the zoning.