How much do you really know about investment property? Accurate research and professional expertise applied to the purchase of an investment property builds a solid foundation for financial success.

  You may want to work with a REALTOR who can help to identify the great opportunities in investment properties in the area of your choice. Or, you may choose to do the work on your own.

  A REALTOR can provide the inside line on properties with potential in the geographic area where you are looking for property. If you do choose to work with a REALTOR, you will save time, and you may have more choices and opportunities.

  Research the Property's Past and Present.

  Some essential information must be obtained about the property's past. For example, do you know the history of the property, or even how old it is? What sort of upgrades have been made to the home? Is the roof waterproof, and is the plumbing and electrical in working order? What's the Neighborhood Like?

  Once the overall condition of the property has been assessed, tax assessment records must be examined to determine property value trends.

  A good REALTOR will be familiar with the neighborhood where the property is located and if he or she is not, the REALTOR should check the neighborhood at different times of the day and night and speak to some neighbors.

  If there is a homeowners association, check the guidelines, assess fees, and be certain they allow rental of properties.

  Assess the Bottom Line

  For what purposes are you, the investor, going to use the property? To rent? To house your business? Or, to rehabilitate the property and sell it at a profit?

  Once this is determined, you can assess the bottom line.

  Are you paying cash for your investment property? If not a mortgage will have to be paid. Have your REALTOR determine if rent and applicable fees will cover the mortgage, property management and maintenance.

  Consider property management if you do invest in property. Research fees and services provided by different property management companies, or ask your REALTOR if they provide this service, because many do.

  If you do not want to collect rents and contract repairs, find a property manager with the skills to negotiate, be your intermediary, and facilitate business in your absence.

  For investors who rehabilitate and sell buildings at a profit, a decent turnaround is 60-90 days from the time of purchase to the time the property is put back on the market. Three to four contractors should be researched and they should provide written bids with time estimates on their projects.

  Document Fund Availability with Your Offer Once you find that dream investment property, don't forget that offers need to be accompanied by your financial institution's statement of fund availability or a lender's approval letter. This will help make certain your offer will be accepted over other offers that may not come with appropriate paperwork.

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Her husband Joe is a contractor who collaborates with her on rehabilitation of properties. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property investments in Southeastern Virginia.